Howe Sound in final stages of $37M boiler upgrade project at BC mill under federal green energy program

PORT MELLON, BC, Aug. 8, 2011 (Press Release) - Howe Sound Pulp and Paper Corporation (HSPP) announced today that it is in the final stages of completing the upgrade of its wood waste boiler under the facility's $37 million federal Green Transformation Program. Since late May, the mill has focused on the replacement of the bottom half of the furnace with advanced technology that uses a fluidized sand bed to burn waste bark. Later this week, the mill will begin burning natural gas in the boiler to commence the week long commissioning and start-up process.

HSPP's President and CEO Mac Palmiere said "We're delighted to be finishing the project and the challenges of such significant work. The boiler will be cleaner, more efficient and more reliable. It plays a pivotal role in our generation of new green power for all British Columbians through our connection to the grid."

During the project and continuing no later than August 19, 2011, the low concentration portion of the Kraft mill's odourous gases, which are normally incinerated, have been vented. HSPP has implemented additional procedures to monitor and react to continuous ambient air quality measurements made in Langdale. Mac Palmiere added "We sincerely appreciate our neighbours' patience with the additional traffic, activity, and odour. They certainly deserve part of the recognition for the project's success."

Howe Sound Pulp and Paper Corporation operates a market Kraft mill and paper machine in Port Mellon, BC with an annual production capacity of 400,000 tonnes of pulp and 230,000 tonnes of newsprint. The company employs 450 people and is the backbone of the lower Sunshine Coast's economy.