Public Review Process Announced for New Peace River Paper Mill Project
News Release
December 19, 1996
(PEACE RIVER, ALBERTA) -- Daishowa-Marubeni International Ltd. (DMI) is taking forward its Paper Mill Project to the Public Review process. The option for additional value-added expansion to DMI's operations in Northern Alberta was first identified and agreed upon with the government in the 1989 Forest Management Agreement.
DMI is proposing to build a Light Weight Coated (LWC) Paper Mill at its Peace River Pulp Division site. The total investment by DMI for the project is estimated to be $900 million. The wood supply for the paper mill project will be supported by DMI's Peace River Forest Management Agreement.
The project is expected to generate 300 direct jobs in the region, as well as 2,000 direct construction jobs. The proposed construction completion date is October 2001.
In confirming the status of DMI's investment plans, Mr. Tom Hamaoka, Executive Vice President, said, " We value and support the public consultation process and deem it necessary before moving forward with our plans. DMI will also continue to build upon its current working relationships with Aboriginal people in the region."
The Public Review and Consultation Process will include preparation of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment report that must be submitted to Alberta's Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) for review and approval. The process also provides the company with the opportunity to conduct further project definition studies including engineering, transportation, market and economic analyses.
DMI believes Albertans will be supportive of further value-added processing of their renewable resources. The production facilities will have technologically advanced environmental protection systems and be supported by sustainable, ecologically-based forest management practices.
The project complements Alberta's economic development goals to add further value to its renewable natural resources and to increase opportunities for education, skills enhancement and environmental and ecosystem-based research and development, while increasing the competitiveness of the province's forest products industry and supplier network.
