Environmental Update - July 23, 2010
On the evening of Sunday, July 18, a minor amount of sulphur dust was generated during the loading of a vessel at Pacific Coast Terminals in Port Moody. This incident did not pose any threat to the public.
The sulphur was being reclaimed from a stockpile that had dried out due to recent dry weather. As the product was being loaded, all of PCT’s dust suppression systems were fully functioning, however the shiploader was positioned too high above the hold of the vessel and some dust was generated as sulphur dropped into the hold. There was a relatively minor amount of dust that lasted for about 15 minutes. Some dust was also generated for very brief periods when loading commenced in other holds. Unfortunately, PCT’s dust control systems were not able to control the dust from this very dry product for brief periods. Measures have been taken to adjust the dust suppression for this type of product.
PCT has an air quality permit with Metro Vancouver. PCT discussed the incident with Metro Vancouver on July 20, and the permit enforcement officer from Metro Vancouver visited the site on July 22 to investigate. He reviewed all of our dust suppression systems and observed that they were all functioning properly. A report is pending. PCT has taken measures to ensure the shiploader drop heights are minimized, and continues to ensure all the dust control systems are working.
Over the years, PCT has invested more than $90 million in terminal improvements – all with a focus on environmental protection – including dust suppression systems. This is the first complaint PCT has received about dust from shiploading in approximately four years, which provides an indication of our diligence and success in managing our air quality systems. PCT takes dust control issues very seriously and has worked diligently to ensure dust is not generated from our operations. We are very concerned that this incident occurred, and we will work extremely hard to ensure it is not repeated.
We view ourselves as an integral part of the Port Moody community and are committed to a healthy and safe environment.
Media inquiries or information requests should be directed to
Rhonda Trenholm, Edelman Vancouver
604-623-3007, ext 227 (office hours)
604-614-0899 (cell)
On the evening of Sunday, July 18, a minor amount of sulphur dust was generated during the loading of a vessel at Pacific Coast Terminals in Port Moody. This incident did not pose any threat to the public.
The sulphur was being reclaimed from a stockpile that had dried out due to recent dry weather. As the product was being loaded, all of PCT’s dust suppression systems were fully functioning, however the shiploader was positioned too high above the hold of the vessel and some dust was generated as sulphur dropped into the hold. There was a relatively minor amount of dust that lasted for about 15 minutes. Some dust was also generated for very brief periods when loading commenced in other holds. Unfortunately, PCT’s dust control systems were not able to control the dust from this very dry product for brief periods. Measures have been taken to adjust the dust suppression for this type of product.
PCT has an air quality permit with Metro Vancouver. PCT discussed the incident with Metro Vancouver on July 20, and the permit enforcement officer from Metro Vancouver visited the site on July 22 to investigate. He reviewed all of our dust suppression systems and observed that they were all functioning properly. A report is pending. PCT has taken measures to ensure the shiploader drop heights are minimized, and continues to ensure all the dust control systems are working.
Over the years, PCT has invested more than $90 million in terminal improvements – all with a focus on environmental protection – including dust suppression systems. This is the first complaint PCT has received about dust from shiploading in approximately four years, which provides an indication of our diligence and success in managing our air quality systems. PCT takes dust control issues very seriously and has worked diligently to ensure dust is not generated from our operations. We are very concerned that this incident occurred, and we will work extremely hard to ensure it is not repeated.
We view ourselves as an integral part of the Port Moody community and are committed to a healthy and safe environment.
Media inquiries or information requests should be directed to
Rhonda Trenholm, Edelman Vancouver
604-623-3007, ext 227 (office hours)
604-614-0899 (cell)
Did you know?
1998 - New $18 million sulphur ship loader is installed to protect the Burrard Inlet acquatic environment
Contact Info
Telephone: 604-939-7371
E-mail: pctinfo@pct.ca