TNRD – Lafarge to establish liaison committee on air emissions app

Lafarge Kamloops will form a community liaison committee to work with residents on concerns about an application for a new air emissions permit, the company says.

In a notice to residents, the company says it’s looking for five neighbours to sit on the committee, and that it hopes to have the first meeting before May 31, the new deadline for public input to the Ministry of Environment.

The idea for a liaison committee was broached at an informational meeting April 5 at the South Thompson Inn that drew about 50 people. MOE environmental Protection officer Jason Lasiuk said at the time the deadline of April 30 was not hard and fast, and City council passed a motion last week asking for an extension, but the Lafarge letter is the first time the new date of May 31 has been mentioned as confirmed.

The company’s email includes a list of 21 questions raised at the April 5 information meeting, including the liaison committee request, accountability, and human health risk assessment.

The company wants an amendment to its existing air emissions permit to start up a new operation producing gypsum granules.

— Mel Rothenburger, Director, Electoral Area P, TNRD