AbitibiBowater in Fort Frances shut down indefinitely due to effluent problem

The AbitibiBowater mill in Fort Frances, Ontario was shut down indefinitely this morning due to a problem with the mill's effluent treatment system.

Jean-Philippe Cote, spokesman from AbitibiBowater, said the mill’s effluent treatment system exceeded its daily biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) limit due to the cold weather.

“Because of that, we had to shut down the mill to be in accordance with applicable laws and regulations,” he explained. “We’re currently working with internal and external experts on the best plan to address the situation. “It’s our intent to follow very closely all related laws and regulations,” he stressed.

It is not known when operations will be able to resume, or how many employees will be affected by the shut down. The mill employs about 565 people. Some of the workers may be required for a working team during the down time.

Source:

Mill shut down over problem with lagoon (Fort Frances Times)