Image Credit: The Canadian Press

By James Peters

Domtar Kamloops

New federal regulations prompt Domtar to talk to Kamloops about chlorine dioxide

Aug 19, 2020 | 11:40 AM

KAMLOOPS — Officials at the Domtar pulp mill in Kamloops say new federal regulations mean the community needs to know more about a chemical they are using.

Speaking to CFJC Today from Dryden, Ontario, Domtar spokesperson Bonny Skene says new federal environmental emergency regulations require the company to talk to the public about chlorine dioxide.

“In the case of chlorine dioxide, this is a chemical that we produce and store on site for use in pulp manufacturing,” said Skene. “It’s classified as an inhalation hazard, so if you breathe it in, it can cause anywhere from mild to serious effects depending on your exposure.”

“We’ve never had a chlorine dioxide environmental emergency in the history of the mill and every day, we work hard to make sure that it stays that way.”

Skene says information cards will be mailed out to residents in general proximity of the mill in the coming weeks.

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She notes Domtar works closely with Kamloops Fire Rescue and other first responders to plan for an emergency involving chlorine dioxide.

“If there were an environmental emergency, if that were to occur, the public will be notified by Domtar. We’ll be working closely with [Kamloops Fire Rescue] and the public will be given instructions, probably to stay inside with windows closed, that kind of thing.”

More information is available on Domtar’s website.