SAINT JOHN – As Canada Environment Week begins, Irving Oil is announcing its Tail Gas Unit at the refinery is now operational. The unit is expected to reduce sulphur dioxide emissions by 25 percent.

 

The $70 million unit is the best available control technology for sulphur dioxide (SO₂) removal. Construction of the unit began in 2006, with a peak labour force of 175 people.

 

“Since 2003, sulphur dioxide emissions have decreased by 45 percent, which is a continuous reduction year over year,” said Jeff MacDonald, Environment Manager for the refinery. “With this new unit now online, we’re expecting a further SO₂ reduction which should lead to a noticeable positive change in ambient air quality for our neighbours, including reduced odours.”

 

Irving Oil is committed to enhancing the environmental performance of its operations through further investment, energy conservation and environmental studies, including a recently announced tidal energy exploration project in the Bay of Fundy. Other environmental initiatives at the refinery include capturing carbon dioxide through a partnership with Praxair, offering alternative modes of transportation around the 780-acre refinery such as bikes or buses, and conducting annual fugitive emissions and tank seal replacement programs to prevent and reduce emissions. 

 

“Though it’s important to recognize Environment Week with special activities, we know reducing our environmental footprint is a year-round commitment,” said Gary Bischof, General Manager of the refinery. “It’s not just a requirement of our operations, but a responsibility to our community to do our part to improve the environment we live and work in.”

 

Along with the announcement of the Tail Gas Unit during Environment Week, the refinery will also be conducting its 7^th Annual “Operation Clean-up” in East Side roadways on June 4^th, partnering on environmental activities with Champlain Heights Elementary and Bayview School on June 5^th, and hosting household hazardous waste collection days for the public on June 6^th (4pm to 7:30pm) and 7^th (9:30am to 2:30pm). 

 

For more information on Irving Oil, visit www.irvingoil.com.

 

Media contact:

Jennifer Parker

202-2992