Protecting the Air in British Columbia from Rio Tinto smelter

L-R: Tasha Gooch (ELC), Chris Tollefson (ELC), Mark Chernaik (ELAW), Anthony Ho, Richard Overstall

ELAW Scientist Mark Chernaik traveled to Victoria, BC, last week to serve as expert witness for citizens calling for cleaner air in Kitimat.

The plaintiffs are outdoors-loving Kitimat teachers, represented by ELAW partners at the Environmental Law Centre (ELC).

“The fight is against a government permit granted to Rio Tinto Alcan to increase sulphur dioxide (S02) emissions at their Kitimat smelter by 55% above current permit levels,” writes ELC.  “There is good reason to be concerned: S02 not only causes acid rain, it impairs peoples’ ability to breathe.”

Mark says, “The community is hoping the Environmental Appeals Board will require Rio Tinto Alcan to control SO2 emissions using conventional scrubbing technology, preserving the region’s vulnerable lakes and allowing residents of Kitimat to breathe cleaner air.” Two additional weeks of hearings are scheduled before the EAB.  We will keep you informed our our progress.  Read more here:

Northwest Institute
Rio Tinto Alcan Environmental Appeal Board Hearing Summaries

Huffington Post, Carol Linnitt
Emissions From Rio Tinto Alcan Kitimat Smelter Are At Heart Of Hearings

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Maggie Keenan
Communications Director
Environmental Law Alliance Worldwide