The West Fraser McDavid Lumber Mill is making valuable efforts in an attempt to reduce their emissions. According to information made available by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on toxic chemical releases, the lumber mill has reduced their release of toxins.
To lower their emissions the company is now using “low nox emission units on their boilers,” said Jeff Pierson, a spokesman for West Fraser McDavid Lumber Mill. “We have also reduced the number of operation hours from 40 hours per week to 30.
In 2005 the lumber mill was releasing 60,997 pounds of methanol into the air, land or water. The 2006 TRI report indicates that while they have reduced their emissions of methanol to 40,465 pounds, they have also began releasing 1,234 pounds of lead compounds.
Methanol is a chemical that is extremely poisonous and can create serious health effects. According to the material safety and data sheet methanol can cause skin, eye and respiratory tract irritation; as well as liver, kidney and heart damage.
Lead compounds are a recognized carcinogen. This toxin can cause problems with development and reproductive organs. It is suspected to cause problems with the cardiovascular system, kidney and immune system.
West Fraser McDavid Lumber Mill plans to keep reducing the amount of pollutants that they release in the future. They have decided to stop using natural gas in their route to reduce emissions.
“Right now we are currently planning to stop using natural gas and instead begin wood burning,” said Pierson. “We would use our own waste to dry our own lumber. This is going to take place within the next year or two.”
