One of the world’s cleanest, and most environmentally and socially advanced mills

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

Paper Excellence is proposing a complete transformation of Northern Pulp. One that would transform the Mill into a best-in-class operation and one of the world’s cleanest, and most environmentally and socially advanced mills. We are prepared to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to create a clean and sustainable mill.

Tomorrow's Mill

  • Clean air and water
  • No odour
  • Reduced water use
  • No overland pipe
  • No visible plumes above the mill
  • Sustainable and ecological forestry
  • Public environmental reporting
  • Increased community engagement

Proposed Transformation

The proposed transformation has been developed to address community issues and concerns while using Best Available Technology to transform the mill into a best-in-class operation. In some cases, Northern Pulp is proposing to install first-of-its-kind technology in Canada.

Key aspects of the transformation include:

  • A public dashboard on the Northern Pulp website to display live environmental data, such as air and wastewater quality and water use, so the public can view and monitor our performance and hold us accountable.
  • Oxygen delignification to reduce bleaching chemical use.
  • Best new primary and secondary treatment systems to remove solids, organics, and colour.
  • New tertiary treatment system (rotating disc filters) to ensure the highest quality water release and colour removal. The continuously operating tertiary treatment will be the first of its kind in Canada.
  • Converting the recovery boiler to a low-odor configuration.
  • A new wet electrostatic precipitator to remove fine particles from being released into the air.
  • Implement the Lahey Ecological Forestry Report recommendations on Northern Pulp private lands and crown allocation.

Learn more about each aspect of the transformation in the column to the right.

Paper Excellence is proposing a complete transformation of Northern Pulp. One that would transform the Mill into a best-in-class operation and one of the world’s cleanest, and most environmentally and socially advanced mills. We are prepared to invest hundreds of millions of dollars to create a clean and sustainable mill.

Tomorrow's Mill

  • Clean air and water
  • No odour
  • Reduced water use
  • No overland pipe
  • No visible plumes above the mill
  • Sustainable and ecological forestry
  • Public environmental reporting
  • Increased community engagement

Proposed Transformation

The proposed transformation has been developed to address community issues and concerns while using Best Available Technology to transform the mill into a best-in-class operation. In some cases, Northern Pulp is proposing to install first-of-its-kind technology in Canada.

Key aspects of the transformation include:

  • A public dashboard on the Northern Pulp website to display live environmental data, such as air and wastewater quality and water use, so the public can view and monitor our performance and hold us accountable.
  • Oxygen delignification to reduce bleaching chemical use.
  • Best new primary and secondary treatment systems to remove solids, organics, and colour.
  • New tertiary treatment system (rotating disc filters) to ensure the highest quality water release and colour removal. The continuously operating tertiary treatment will be the first of its kind in Canada.
  • Converting the recovery boiler to a low-odor configuration.
  • A new wet electrostatic precipitator to remove fine particles from being released into the air.
  • Implement the Lahey Ecological Forestry Report recommendations on Northern Pulp private lands and crown allocation.

Learn more about each aspect of the transformation in the column to the right.

  • Job Opportunities: Forest Nursery Workers

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Northern Pulp is hiring short-term seasonal workers for the nursery in Debert, NS. All positions are Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm. Applicants must have steel-toed footwear that covers the ankle.

    Forest Nursery Worker - Crop Maintenance

    • $14.87/hour
    • 40 hours/week
    • Now until September 2, 2022
    • Must be available to work weekends on a rotating schedule.
    • The main job function is watering, fertilizing, and weeding seedlings in greenhouses and field rows.


    Forest Nursery Workers - General Labour/Seedling Thinner

    • $14.00/hour
    • 40 hours/week
    • Now until July 1, 2022
    • The main job is thinning seedlings in the greenhouse and loading seedling delivery trucks.


    School shifts are available from Mid-May until school is finished. Monday-Friday 4:00pm-8:00pm and Saturday 7:30am-2:00pm


    Contact Toosje Anderson at toosje.anderson@northernpulp.com.



  • Court approves Northern Pulp's mediation request

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Court approves Northern Pulp’s mediation request

    Today, April 1, 2022, the British Columbia Supreme Court approved Northern Pulp Nova Scotia’s (Northern Pulp) request to appoint the Honourable Thomas Cromwell, C.C. as mediator to assist in reaching a negotiated resolution of outstanding legal claims and disputes with the Province of Nova Scotia relating to the forced closure of the mill 11-years before the end of the term of an Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) lease.

    The following is a statement from Northern Pulp:

    Northern Pulp looks forward to working with the Court-appointed mediator, Honourable Thomas Cromwell, C.C., and the Province of Nova Scotia to resolve outstanding legal claims. We are pleased to have a forum for dialogue and are hopeful that a mediated global settlement can be reached relating to the forced closure of the mill 11-years before the end of the term of an Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) lease.

    Our team continues to be focused on the Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change Class II Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed transformation of the Mill.

  • Mill Transformation Final Terms of Reference

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Change has released the Final Terms of Reference for the Mill’s Environmental Assessment. As part of the Draft Terms of Reference comment period, close to 1,500 submissions were received by the department. Over 93% of the submissions expressed support for the re-opening of a transformed mill, and an overwhelming number requested the EA process be led by independent experts and that the terms of reference include national standards for both effluent and air quality.


    We are disappointed to see that despite these submissions, the department has decided to ignore their own consultation. We agree that the Final Terms of Reference should have clear standards and be led by an independent expert panel, and that these changes are necessary to ensure the public has confidence in the EA process and the final EA decision.


    We will take some time to review the Terms of Reference in detail and consider our options going forward. Read the Department of Environment and Climate Change’s press release on the final ToR here: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220314003.



  • Northern Pulp requests mediation to resolve legal claim with Province of Nova Scotia

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Northern Pulp Nova Scotia (Northern Pulp) has requested the British Columbia Supreme Court appoint the Honourable Thomas Cromwell, C.C. as mediator to assist in reaching a negotiated resolution of outstanding legal claims and disputes with the Province of Nova Scotia relating to the forced closure of the mill 11-years before the end of the term of an Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) lease.

    “It is our hope that a mediated global settlement can be reached, in the best interest of all parties,” said Graham Kissack, VP EHS and Corporate Communications, Paper Excellence.

    Northern Pulp submitted the Mediation Order request as part of its Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) proceedings.

    Northern Pulp continues to be focused on the Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change Class II Environmental Assessment (EA) for a proposed transformation of the Mill. The Company plans to transform the Mill into a best-in-class operation and one of the world's cleanest, most environmentally focused, and community-based mills.

    A transformed Northern Pulp mill will reinstate well-paying rural jobs and support the local and provincial forestry sector. It will also provide a market for pulp grade wood and wood chips to support the full implementation of sustainable, ecological forestry practices in Nova Scotia as envisioned in the Lahey Report.

    The more than $350 million investment in the Mill Transformation is expected to provide 600 construction jobs for two years. Significant longer-term benefits to the Province of Nova Scotia will include 330 direct and 2,679 indirect jobs, contribute $128 million in employment income, support 1,379 supplier companies including 943 in Nova Scotia, and generate $279 million in annual spending, most within Nova Scotia.

  • Northern Pulp seeking defined limits in EA Terms of Reference for Mill transformation and for the process to be led by an independent expert panel

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link
    supporting image

    Northern Pulp has reviewed the draft Terms of Reference and is requesting Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) include the air and wastewater regulations the Company must adhere to in the Final Terms of Reference it issues for the Mill Transformation Environmental Assessment.

    Specifically, Canada’s draft national standards for treated Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations (PPER) and existing Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) should be used as the guiding standards to assess the New Northern Pulp Plan.

    Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change recently released Draft Terms of Reference for the proposed transformation of Northern Pulp. The Terms of Reference set out the rules and expectations of the Company to complete their Environmental Assessment (EA) Report as part of the stringent Nova Scotia Class II EA.

    “There are a few key items we believe should be changed before the Terms of Reference are finalized, specifically having the air and wastewater regulations defined and included,” said Graham Kissack, VP EH&S and Corporate Communications, Paper Excellence Canada. “We are prepared to put the proposed mill transformation against the most stringent regulations in Canada, but we need to know what those regulations are from the outset of the Environmental Assessment process.”

    The Draft Terms of Reference do not provide the limits Northern Pulp needs to meet regarding air emission and treated effluent. In absence of specific Nova Scotia standards, Northern Pulp is calling on NSECC to designate existing standards as a minimum in the final Terms of Reference.

    “The inclusion of Canada’s Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations (PPER) and a specific province’s air emission regulations will provide clarity to two important areas of the Terms of Reference,” said Kissack.

    Northern Pulp is also proposing that the Environmental Assessment process be led by an independent administrator or panel with expertise in kraft pulp production and environmental management. Putting a neutral third-party panel or administrator in place from the outset to manage the process, review the EA submission, and make a recommendation to the Minister, would provide more confidence in the process.

    “Nova Scotia residents and businesses need to have confidence in the EA process to trust the final decision. An independent expert administrator or panel will provide an increased level of confidence,” said Kissack.

    Northern Pulp is proposing to transform Northern Pulp into a best-in-class operation and one of the world's cleanest, most environmentally focused, and community-based mills. The transformation will result in:

    • No odor in local communities under normal operations
    • A significant reduction in wastewater environmental components
    • Fewer visible plumes from the mill
    • A reduction in Greenhouse gas emissions
    • An online environmental dashboard to communicate mill environmental performance
    • A significant reduction in water usage
    • An update mill appearance

    The continued operation of Northern Pulp will reinstate well-paying rural jobs and support the local and provincial forestry sector. An operating Northern Pulp will provide a market for pulp grade wood and wood chips to support the full implementation of sustainable, ecological forestry practices in Nova Scotia as envisioned in the Lahey Report.

    The more than $350 million investment in the Mill Transformation is expected to provide 600 construction jobs for two years. Significant longer-term benefits to the Province of Nova Scotia will include 330 direct and 2,679 indirect jobs, contribute $128 million in employment income, support 1,379 supplier companies including 943 in Nova Scotia, and generate $279 million in annual spending, most within Nova Scotia.

    The Draft Terms of Reference can be viewed at https://www.novascotia.ca/nse/ea/mill-transformation-and-effluent-treatment-facility/ and are open for public comment until January 31st, 2022. Comments specific to the Draft Terms of Reference will be reviewed by Nova Scotia Environment to inform the finalization of the Terms of Reference.

    There are several ways the public can submit your comments to Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change.

    Friends of a New Northern Pulp, a community group that supports the establishment of a clean, modernized Northern Pulp, has set up a webpage with example letters that can be used to inform public submissions.

    Visit the webpage here: https://friendsofnewnp.ca/class-2-environmental-assessment-process/.

    Comments can be emailed to EA@gov.ns.ca, submitted online www.novascotia.ca/nse/ea/comments.asp, or mailed to:

    Environmental Assessment Branch

    Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change

    P.O. Box 442

    Halifax, NS, B3J 2P8

  • Environmental Assessment begins for Northern Pulp transformation

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Environmental Assessment begins for Northern Pulp transformation

    Company hopeful for well-defined terms of reference and independent expert panel

    ABERCROMBIE, NS Dec. 7, 2021– Northern Pulp Nova Scotia (Northern Pulp) is pleased to announce Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) has formally accepted the recently submitted Environmental Assessment Registration Document (EARD) for its mill transformation project, beginning the rigorous Class II Environmental Assessment (EA) process.

    Northern Pulp is proposing to transform its mill into one of the world’s cleanest, most environmentally focused, and community-based mills. The proposed transformation has been developed in response to community concerns while using today’s best available technology to transform the mill into a best-in-class operation.

    “Since hibernating the mill in January 2020, we have taken the time to understand community concerns and issues, which we are addressing in the proposed transformation,” said Graham Kissack, VP, EH&S and Corporate Communications, Paper Excellence Canada. “Our team looks forward to beginning the more than two-year Environmental Assessment process, introducing and engaging with the public about the transformation, and beginning the journey of writing a new chapter for the future of the mill with the community.”

    The more than $350 million transformation will include the most advanced wastewater treatment to ensure the treated wastewater released is sufficiently clean and transparent to be discharged into Pictou Harbour. It will also result in a significant reduction in water use, almost no visible plumes above the mill, no odour in local communities during normal operations, and an online public environmental dashboard. An optimal location of treated wastewater release into Pictou Harbour will be determined through objective environmental and marine studies.

    Now that the project has been formally registered, NSECC has 14 days to prepare and release a draft EA term of reference for public review and comment. NSECC will then provide the comments to Northern Pulp to address before issuing a final Terms of Reference.

    “Nova Scotia residents and businesses need to have confidence in the Environmental Assessment process and our desire is to obtain Terms of Reference that set clear, well-defined guidelines from the start and remain consistent throughout the process,” said Kissack.

    The final Terms of Reference will provide Northern Pulp with a framework for preparing the Class II EA Report, including the scope, studies, methods of the assessment, and the engagement program.

    To ensure a fair and thorough EA process, Northern Pulp also supports Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston’s commitment for an independent, expert panel to review and issue a recommendation to the Minister of NSECC.

    “We encourage the Province to work with us, First Nations, and key stakeholders to very soon identify and secure individuals with experience and expertise in the Environmental Assessment and operation of kraft pulp mills to oversee the process,” said Kissack. “We need to make sure requirements and decisions are objective and informed by facts and science as much as possible.”

    The transformed mill will contribute to a successful economy with over 600 jobs during construction, more than 300 direct and 2,500 indirect jobs during operations, a $279 million annual spend in Nova Scotia, and a contribution of over $38 million in tax annually. A centrally located mill will also provide a vital market for pulp grade wood and wood chips to support the full implementation of sustainable ecological forestry practices in Nova Scotia.

    The EARD can be viewed at https://www.tomorrowsmill.ca/transformation or https://novascotia.ca/nse/ea/mill-transformation-and-effluent-treatment-facility/.

  • CCAA extension granted & Northern Pulp continues to advance Environmental Assessment

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Northern Pulp announced it will continue to advance its proposed mill transformation project following today’s British Columbia Supreme Court approval of the Company’s requests, including the extension of the stay period under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (the CCAA) to the end of April 2022.

    The Court has also approved the amendment of the interim financing milestone to coincide with the stay extension and use of the interim financing to preserve legal rights.

    In their last report, and contrary to concerns raised by the Province of Nova Scotia, the independent Court-appointed Monitor stated that Northern Pulp has been working with due diligence and in good faith, notably regarding the ongoing management of the mill site, preparing the environmental assessment (EA) registration document, and continuing efforts to settle matters with the Province. The Company is satisfied that the Court has granted the relief requested and supported by the Monitor, despite objections raised by the Province.

    Northern Pulp is proposing to transform its mill into one of the world’s cleanest, most environmentally focused mills. The EA registration document will be submitted to Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change (NSECC) by the end of November 2021. NSECC will then issue draft EA terms of reference (ToR) for review, which are anticipated to be finalized by the end of March 2022. The ToR will identify the studies to be completed and the information required for the EA Report. The Company will then have two years to complete the studies and submit its EA Report to NSECC. A decision by the Minister of NSECC is anticipated to be received by August 2024.

    “We’re looking forward to submitting the EA registration document and receiving clearly defined terms of reference to guide our work throughout the EA process,” said Graham Kissack, VP, Environment, Health & Safety and Corporate Communications at Paper Excellence. “Throughout the EA process, we are committed to engaging with stakeholders, conducting thorough environmental research, and being transparent with our results. We are convinced that a science-based approach will allow for a successful EA.”

    Northern Pulp has been unsuccessful in engaging the Province in settlement discussions to resolve disputes relating to the forced closure of the mill 11-years before the end of the term of the Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) lease. Northern Pulp has therefore been left with no option but to take steps to preserve and enforce its legal rights. The Province’s opposition to Northern Pulp’s now approved request for use of interim financing during the stay extension to preserve legal rights, considering the Province’s own request for Northern Pulp to file its claim and refusal to enter into settlement discussions, was therefore disappointing.

    The closure of the mill has resulted in significant financial losses for Northern Pulp and the longer the mill is closed, the greater the financial impact will be. Northern Pulp has made a demand under the Province’s indemnity for reimbursement of $102 million in indemnified losses incurred up to June 30, 2021, and filed a notice of intended action providing the required advance notice of claims to be made against the Province.

    Northern Pulp will take steps during the stay extension to commence and advance legal proceedings against the Province. The resolution of the legal proceedings through settlement before the end of 2024 is a critical component of the Company’s plan to re-start the mill. The Province has stated that any claims filed would have to be evaluated in conjunction with the Boat Harbour Act, together with the evidence supporting each allegation before the Province would consider entering into an alternative dispute resolution process.

    “We encourage the Province to work expeditiously to evaluate the claims and cooperate in providing requested evidence to permit the parties to resolve their disputes on a timely basis. The re-start of a transformed mill following EA approvals is in the best interest of all stakeholders. A timely resolution of these disputes, by the time EA approvals are received, is essential,” said Kissack.

    On June 19, 2020, Northern Pulp voluntarily filed for protection under CCAA following the Province of Nova Scotia’s decision requiring the Company to cease using the Boat Harbour Effluent Treatment Facility (BHEFT). This left the mill with no ability to treat or transport pulp effluent, resulting in the mill ceasing production.

  • Northern Pulp advancing transformation plan: Progressing with EA registration, reaching out to communities, while protecting its legal rights

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Today, Northern Pulp Nova Scotia (Northern Pulp) is sharing an update on its commitment to using the best available technology to transform the kraft pulp mill into one of the world’s cleanest, most environmentally-focused mills. An Environmental Assessment (EA) registration document will be submitted to Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change by the end of November 2021 to start the stringent two-year Class II EA process for the transformation.

    “Our focus for the next couple of years is on defining a path for a new mill that aligns with the community’s aspirations, and on moving forward with the EA process with a transparent and science-based approach,” said Graham Kissack, VP Environment, Health & Safety at Paper Excellence. “Throughout the EA process, we are committed to engaging with stakeholders, conducting thorough environmental research, and being transparent with our results. We are convinced that a fact-based approach will allow for a successful EA. Our hope is to obtain clear terms of reference, and make sure expectations are set in a transparent manner from the start and remain consistent throughout the process.”

    The proposed transformation of Northern Pulp has been developed considering community input, while using today’s best available technology to transform the mill into a best-in-class operation.

    “We have been meeting with local communities and businesses with the Environmental Liaison Committee and the need for a transformed mill in the region is evident. Once environmental approvals are received, we intend to invest and build the best mill possible. We want to contribute to a successful economy, with over 600 jobs during construction, more than 300 direct and 2,500 indirect jobs during operations, a $279 million annual spend in Nova Scotia, a contribution of over $38 million in tax annually, as well as various contributions to our communities’ life and projects,” said Jean-François Guillot, Vice President Operations, East, Paper Excellence.

    The transformation will result in:

    • No odour in local communities during normal operations
    • 70% reduction in visible plumes above the mill
    • Water use reduced by close to half
    • The most advanced wastewater treatment, to ensure the water released is clean and transparent (tertiary effluent treatment facility)
    • An optimal location of release into Pictou Harbour determined through objective environmental & marine studies
    • Updated appearance, with new exterior siding and finishes

    While Northern Pulp is focused on transforming its operations and on the EA process, it has also taken the necessary steps to preserve its legal rights related to the closure of the Mill close to 11-years prior to the end of the term of the Effluent Treatment Facility (ETF) lease, which resulted in significant financial losses.

    Northern Pulp tried unsuccessfully to engage the two previous provincial governments in settlement discussions. Recently, the new government requested that the Company file its legal claims related to the closure of the Mill and permit the Province time to evaluate the claims and supporting evidence as a prerequisite to engaging in any settlement discussions. Northern Pulp has started the process by making claims under the Province’s indemnity for the more than $100 million in losses already incurred and providing the Province with the required two months' advance notice of its intent to commence legal proceedings to preserve its legal rights. Total losses related to the early closure of the Mill are estimated to exceed $450 million.

    The resolution of legal proceedings through a timely settlement is a critical component of Northern Pulp’s plan to transform and re-start the Mill.

    “This action confirms our desire to reach a mutually agreed-upon settlement that is fair to taxpayers and compensates us for the losses suffered. Our intention is to use these funds to transform and re-start the Mill once we receive environmental approvals,” said Guillot.

    The reinjection of the funds would benefit Nova Scotians across the province during the transformation phase and operations and provide an economically viable solution for implementing ecological forestry.

    Northern Pulp is operating under protection of the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) and will appear before the British Columbia Supreme Court on October 29, 2021, to request, among other things, an extension of their protection until April 30, 2022.

    For more information about Northern Pulp’s proposed transformation, visit www.TomorrowsMill.ca.

    Further information regarding the CCAA proceedings is available at the Monitor’s website www.ey.com/ca/northernpulp.

    Boat Harbour ETF Agreement

    Background Summary



    • The Province of Nova Scotia recruited Scott Paper to build a new pulp mill in Pictou County in 1967.
    • The Province offered to build, own and operate an effluent treatment facility (ETF) and provide fresh water and a crown wood licence if Scott Paper built a new pulp mill.
    • The Province built and owns the Boat Harbour ETF, and operated it until 1995 with little or no environmental regulation.
    • The Province leased and transferred responsibility for operation of the Boat Harbour ETF to the owner of the mill in 1995. The Province provided a broad and comprehensive indemnity to the mill owner at that time to protect the mill owner from risks related to assuming operation of the Boat Harbour ETF and the past operation of the Boat Harbour ETF by the Province. In 2002, the term of the lease was extended until the end of 2030.
    • Northern Pulp acquired the mill and rights under various agreements with the Province in 2008 from a successor to Scott Paper. Paper Excellence acquired the shares of Northern Pulp in 2011.
    • In 2015, the Boat Harbour Act (BHA) was passed that called for the closure of the Boat Harbour ETF by January 2020, almost eleven years before the end of the term of the lease.
    • Northern Pulp was unable to gain environmental approval for a proposed replacement ETF by the BHA deadline, and the Province ordered the existing Boat Harbour ETF closed by January 2020, effectively shutting down the mill and breaching obligations to Northern Pulp under the lease and other agreements.
    • Northern Pulp and its affiliates have been forced to take steps to commence legal proceedings against the Province to preserve and protect their legal rights within legal timelines.
    • In the meantime, Paper Excellence wants to transform the Northern Pulp mill into one of the cleanest in the world. They have proposed a total transformation of the mill responding to expressed community feedback regarding effluent treatment, odour, chemical use, carbon reduction and forestry practices.
    • Northern Pulp is ready to have its transformation proposal assessed on its technical and scientific merits by an objective, expert and fair process.
  • Best available technology: ECF, TCF, Closed Loop?

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Northern Pulp is a producer of high quality bleached kraft pulp used in the production of tissue, paper towel, copy paper and many other daily use items. As you will notice, these products are typically white in colour, which requires bleaching.

    We currently operate an Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) process that uses chlorine dioxide for the bleaching of wood pulp. There have been suggestions that we change to a Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) process with a closed loop system as part of the transformation.

    As part of our transformation, we are committed to implementing best available technology for a bleached kraft pulp mill to reduce the environmental impact of our operations. If TCF and/or a closed loop system were viable for our operations, we would include them in our plans. Unfortunately, today they are not viable options.

    Bleached, chlorine-free kraft pulp is categorized as either totally chlorine-free (TCF) or elemental chlorine-free (ECF). TCF pulp is produced with pulp that has been bleached by using ozone and hydrogen peroxide, or that has not been bleached at all. ECF pulps, like those produced by Northern Pulp, are produced from pulp that has been bleached with chlorine dioxide (ClO2), but without elemental chlorine (Cl).

    The bleaching process is designed to bleach the pulp by removing all the residual lignin from the pulp in a step generally referred to as delignification. Up until the mid-1990s, elemental chlorine (Cl) was used to bleach the pulp to produce the desired brightness. However, concerns about the environmental impact prompted one of the most important implemented changes within kraft pulp mills, whereby elemental chlorine was completely replaced by chlorine dioxide (ClO2) as the bleaching chemical. Chlorine dioxide was key to the development of the ECF bleaching process.

    Northern Pulp converted to the ECF bleaching process in 1997, with this technology currently being the most common bleaching method worldwide.

    ECF and TCF are both considered best available technologies. Many mills of both bleaching techniques have attempted to close the effluent loop in their fully bleached kraft mills, but none have managed to develop a totally closed loop or effluent free system. The Province of Nova Scotia retained an engineering firm to study this further and concluded that, “Closing the loop is not an option for Northern Pulp.” You can view the report here: https://openinformation.novascotia.ca/FOI-Requests/2019-08311-TIR/shyb-bce4

    The best available techniques for bleached kraft mills utilize oxygen delignification in combination with primary/secondary effluent treatment and in some cases tertiary treatment. Our proposed transformation includes both oxygen delignification and tertiary treatment.

    A few bleach kraft pulp mills were retrofitted to TCF, as TCF pulp had a better environmental image at that time and the environmental impact was believed to be more easily controllable. Today, it is understood that the perceived environmental benefits were not realized. Additionally, the market volume of TCF pulp remains much smaller than ECF mainly due to pulp quality issues, creating questions about the long-term sustainability of TCF mills.

    KSH, a Montreal, Quebec-based engineering firm with expertise in pulp and paper, has done a lot of work in Best Available Technology (BAT), ECF, TCF and closed loop systems. KSH was retained by Northern Pulp to develop the transformation concept based on the feedback and input we received with the Environmental Liaison Committee, the community, and other stakeholders over the past few years.

    In its Best Available Technology assessment for Northern Pulp, KSH noted the following differences in wastewater between the ECF and TCF:

    “Best Available Technology (BAT) has legal status in both the USA and Europe when determining consents for the discharge of effluent: in the USA, the Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) process is regarded as being Best Available Technology while in Europe, the EU Commission on the Environment has decided that there is no significant difference between Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) and ECF and, therefore, both are regarded as BAT. The EU Commission further stated that there is no clear difference in toxic effect patterns and effect intensity between effluents from mills using low-kappa ECF and TCF bleaching.”

    Additionally, power consumption in the production of TCF is approximately 13% higher than ECF pulps due to the energy intensive production of ozone which will lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions. The advantages of ECF bleaching are lower energy consumption, better fibre properties, and better yield than with TCF, thus saving natural resources.

    We appreciate the ideas and questions being generated, so far. Please submit your questions and ideas for our consideration.

  • Northern Pulp developing registration document for Class II environmental assessment

    Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this link

    Northern Pulp Nova Scotia Corporation (“Northern Pulp”) is developing a registration document for its proposed transformation project for its pulp mill in Pictou County (the “Mill”) to initiate a Class II environmental assessment.

    On July 15, 2021, Hon. Keith Irving, Nova Scotia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change announced his decision that a Class II environmental assessment process is required for the proposed project.

    The proposed project will transform the Mill into a best-in-class operation and one of the world's cleanest, most environmentally focused, and community-based mills.

    “We look forward to working with Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change, conducting thorough and transparent scientific research, and consulting with the public and aboriginal people throughout the Class II environmental assessment process,” said Graham Kissack, VP, Environment, Health & Safety, and Corporate Communications, Paper Excellence.

    Once the project is registered, the registration document will be posted online, and Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change will draft terms of reference for public review and comment.

    The launch of the proposed transformation project and the Minister’s decision requiring a Class II environmental assessment are just the beginning of Mill’s transformation process. Over the coming months, Northern Pulp will engage and collaborate with the community to refine plans for the transformation project and begin work on a comprehensive environmental assessment.

    The more than $350 million proposed transformation project has been developed to address community issues and concerns while using Best Available Technology to transform the Mill into a best-in-class operation, environmentally and otherwise.

    Northern Pulp has launched a new information and engagement website, www.TomorrowsMill.ca, for community members to learn more and provide input on the proposed transformation project.

    The transformation of Northern Pulp would result in hundreds of jobs during construction and re-establish more than 300 well-paying direct mill jobs in Pictou County and more than 2,500 forestry sector jobs throughout the province when the Mill is operational.

    Northern Pulp produces Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft pulp at the Mill that is used in the manufacturing of a variety of products from tissue and paper towels to food additives and packaging.

Page last updated: 12 Oct 2023, 04:31 PM