Air & Water Quality

The city of Prince George is located in a bowl-shaped basin at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers. This natural landform greatly influences our airshed and significantly increases the challenges in maintaining air quality in the region. Temperature inversions within this bowl can create extended periods during which the air is trapped and emissions accumulate, resulting in diminished air quality. Within the airshed the two most significant kinds of contaminants in these conditions are particulates (smoke, dust, etc) and odour (mainly Total Reduced Sulphur).

CPLP mills have been active in Airshed Management since they were built in the 1960s. In addition to seeking ways to reduce emissions, we have provided funding for a community monitoring system and support for research to find effective solutions. Research and monitoring are essential elements of any effective strategy, because good science is essential to improving air quality.

Most recently CPLP has launched several major capital improvements that will measurably improve air quality in Prince George.

Improvements to water quality have been very successful in the past, to the extent that very little effluent is reintroduced back to the local rivers. However, improvements can still be made and CPLP is continuing the focus on improving the regions’ water quality.