City of Port Alberni: Cantimber Biotech Update

Earlier this month, the Alberni Valley News published an article regarding the status of the Cantimber Biotech operation and their progress with respect to recommendations from a third-party evaluation of their operations and emissions.

As noted in the article, the wood-based activated carbon manufacturer has been progressing on the 21 recommendations since the release of the report in December of 2016.

Cantimber has recently submitted a progress report to the Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA), the regulatory authority for project.    The Port Authority has confirmed that when all of the recommendations are completed, an independent third-party will be contracted to review the work undertaken by Cantimber.

Once completion of all the recommendations are verified, the Port Authority will then share the details with and seek feedback from the Cantimber Working Group, an informal advisory body with representation from the City of Port Alberni, Island Health, the Ministry of Environment, Port Alberni Air Quality Council, Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations, and other organizations . Following this, and if the Port Authority deems that Cantimber has satisfactorily addressed all the recommendations, they will then advise the public and issue a license of operation for Cantimber to resume its operation.

The Port Alberni Port Authority has committed to publicly sharing the independent third-party review report when completed. The original evaluation of Cantimber’s operation and emissions remains available for public review and inspection.    

Air quality issues due to Cantimber’s operations along the waterfront are an important concern of the City. Despite the City’s limited jurisdiction, it has been a very active participant seeking to address these issues.

The City remains confident in the opportunities to develop and grow the alternative energy and manufacturing sectors from the use of left over wood from the forest industry.   With the paramount concern of the health of the community, these opportunities are being closely examined to ensure they are safe and environmentally responsible.

For inquiries regarding the status or timelines of the work noted above, please contact the Port Alberni Port Authority at 250-723-5312.