Exshaw achieves environmental milestone
Lafarge Canada Inc announced its cement plant in Exshaw, Alberta, has met its target to reduce emissions of dust, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) from its existing cement kiln line, and achieved zero water discharge from its operations.
As part of its expansion, which will increase manufacturing capacity by 60 per cent, Lafarge upgraded an existing manufacturing line and is constructing a new kiln line. With the upgrade of the existing line now complete, Exshaw has reduced emissions significantly, with SO2 reduced by 60 per cent and as well as a 40 per cent reduction in NOx.
The plant has invested US$20m in this upgrade, which has introduced additional dust mitigation and noise abatement equipment. These activities support Lafarge's Sustainability Ambitions for 2020 to provide solutions using sustainable manufacturing practices and improving the environment in and around its operations.
"When we embarked on this project, we made a promise to our customers and neighbors that we would improve our environmental footprint," says Bob Cooper, vice president Western Canada Cement, Lafarge. "We've taken the first major step to reduce SO2, NOx, and kiln particulate matter. And we are now recycling all of our cooling water, which means no discharge back to the Bow River and the plant is drawing less water."
Every large construction project comes with its own set of challenges, adds Cooper. Lafarge achieved this milestone while remaining injury-free. This plant expansion shows Lafarge's commitment to its customers and continuous improvement and the Company is keen to reach its next major milestone -- the completion of its new kiln line and vertical cement mill. Cement from Exshaw is helping build better cities across Canada and the northwestern U.S.
"We are grateful to all of our staff and the contractor teams who have helped us reach this milestone and to the communities near our Plant, for their support," says Heinz Knopfel, plant manager, Lafarge, Exshaw. "They have been waiting for these improvements since the notion of this expansion was first discussed and we're happy to deliver on our promise."
The construction of the new line continues and is expected to be completed in summer 2015.
