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Environment and Conservation
July 7, 2010

Funding Announced for Research to Reuse Ash at Corner Brook Pulp and Paper

A new research project at the College of the North Atlantic in Corner Brook will help determine whether fly ash and bottom ash produced by the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Mill can be safely reused for agricultural, horticultural and forestry applications. The Multi-Materials Stewardship Board (MMSB) will provide support of $10,000 for the project through its Solid Waste Management Innovation Program.

The College of the North Atlantic will work in partnership with Hi-Point Industries' Compost and Soil Blending Facility, located just outside of Corner Brook, to research the use of this ash as an ingredient in potential new product lines, or as a component of existing compost-based product lines. Preliminary research indicates that ash may be used as a source of activated carbon and can be added to compost, used as a soil amendment, or applied directly as a forest fertilizer.

"Waste reduction is a critical component of the waste management strategy, and our government is always looking for a means to collaborate with businesses, industry associations and post-secondary institutions," said the Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister of Environment and Conservation. "We are pleased to support the College of the North Atlantic, High Point Industries and their partnership with Corner Brook Pulp and Paper in this promising research project."

Leigh Puddester, MMSB Chair and Chief Executive Officer, said potential business opportunities will increase as the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy advances through to completion.

"We look forward to seeing the results of this research project," said Leigh Puddester. "We encourage other organizations and businesses to explore prospective business opportunities that produce new or improved products, processes or technologies made from solid waste which facilitate modern waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador."

It is estimated that the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper facility currently landfills 10,000 tons of fly and bottom ash per year.

"We are excited about this research and our team is eager to get started," said Chad Simms, Campus Administrator, College of the North Atlantic, Corner Brook campus. "We look forward to the results and identifying the potential opportunities for using the ash as the main ingredient for a new product line or a component of an existing compost-based product line."

The MMSB launched the new Solid Waste Management Innovation Program in October 2009. This program was created to encourage and support research and development of a new or improved technology, product, service or process that supports the ongoing implementation of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy. The annual budget for the Innovation Fund is $100,000 with eligible projects receiving a maximum of $10,000. The program is available to provincially owned and/or operated businesses, industry associations, post-secondary institutions and non-profit organizations.

For more information on the Solid Waste Management Innovation Program, visit www.mmsb.nl.ca or contact MMSB at 709-753-0948.

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Media contacts:

Melony O'Neill
Director of Communications
Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-0928
moneill@gov.nl.ca 
Carol Ann Carter
Director of Communications
MMSB
709-757-3696, 689-4795
ccarter@mmsb.nl.ca 
 
Roger Hulan
Communications Specialist
College of the North Atlantic
709-643-7938
roger.hulan@cna.nl.ca
 

2010 07 07                                                    2:35 p.m.
 


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