As a result of the Prince George Pulpmill 48MW Power Project, particulate matter and total reduced sulphur emissions will be reduced with the upgrade to environmental controls at the smelt-dissolving stack and with the conversion of the recovery boiler to a low odor-emitting boiler. Two beehive burners in nearby communities will also be shut down as a result of this project.
Canfor signed a 15-year agreement with BC Hydro to upgrade its Prince George Pulp and Paper mill to displace all of its purchased electricity at that facility and its Intercontinental Pulp mill. BC Hydro will contribute $49 million to Canfor's project to install a 48-megawatt turbo generator project at the mill site. The project will allow Canfor to be self-sufficient in electricity generation at its Prince George Pulp and Paper and Intercontinental Pulp mills. In addition to lowering Canfor's production costs, the project provides significant environmental benefits to the area. The upgrade will significantly lower Canfor's emissions in the Prince George air shed and allow the company to decommission one Tier I beehive burner at its Bear Lake sawmill, one beehive burner at its Isle Pierre sawmill and possibly a third beehive burner once the generator is running at full capacity.