Emissions project started

By Bruce Johnstone, Leader-PostMarch 4, 2009

The first phase of a $200-million project to produce activated carbon to reduce mercury emissions at coal-fired generating stations is underway at Bienfait, east of Estevan.

Sherritt International Corp. and Norit Canada Inc. are building the first of four 15,000-ton activated carbon units, which is expected to be in operation by February 2010.

"It's a good environmental product,'' said Kevin Mueller, vice-president of mining operations for Sherritt Coal in Edmonton. "It's going to pull mercury out of flue gases (from coal-fired generating stations). And we're doing it in Bienfait, Sask.''

Mueller said the plant will be the first activated carbon plant in Canada, but similar to one being built by Norit in Marshall, Texas, which is in the commissioning phase. "It's definitely the first of its kind in Canada,'' Mueller said.

Mercury is a neurotoxin, which is particularly damaging to the development of the fetus and young children, and is considered an extremely dangerous contaminant of air and water.

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