Domtar Inc.’s mill in Skookumchuck, British Columbia, is currently facing severe public pressure. It owes over $56K in penalties for environmental violations from 2022 to 2024. These penalties are the result of a pattern of years of inability to control toxic emissions and prevent destruction of the environment. Just in 2023, the mill has racked up almost two dozen violations for failing to control emissions.
The mill’s troubles are emblematic of a dangerous trend in environmental law enforcement practices. As of 2021, between 2019 and 2021, the mill had been cited more than $80,000 for similar violations. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders express concern regarding the mill’s impact on local ecosystems and the effectiveness of its effluent treatment processes.
Recent Violations and Penalties
On March 21, 2024, the Skookumchuck mill suffered a catastrophic incident. First, it did not adequately dredge one of its effluent basins, leading to an accumulation of solids that reduced the system’s ability to adequately treat effluent. This failure comes in the context of a long-standing pattern of negligence that has long-environmentalists on high alert.
Summer 2023 test results showed that the effluent being released into the river from the mill was toxic to trout. This caused alarm over the possible effects on the region’s fragile ecosystem. The mill unintentionally released 2,500 litres of partially treated effluent directly onto the ground. This occurred after it passed its District-Designated Treatment Works.
The severity of the penalties for these violations are illustrative of an increased scrutiny of the facility’s day-to-day operational practices. In 2022, authorities hit them with a third penalty after one of their sludge tanks overflowed. This event resulted in approximately 1,000 litres of contaminants to leak into adjacent lands. The authorities then classified the violation as “low.” The mill’s track record of violations led to a higher penalty—one that was increased by $5,000 due to its history of violations.
Effluent Management and Environmental Impact
Domtar’s Skookumchuck mill releases up to 44,000 m² of effluent per day. The repeated environmental violations led regulators to add the mill onto Canada’s environmental offenders registry. Critics claim that like these continuous offenders, such repeated violations show that operations were not proactively managed to ensure compliance with environmental requirements.
Jennifer Mayberry, an environmental advocate, stated, > “Skookumchuck’s inaction increased the likelihood of a failure and the events should have been relatively easy to predict.”
Such sentiments capture the deep frustration expressed by many at the mill’s persistent failure to adhere to basic operational standards. Mayberry further noted that by failing to maintain the authorized works in good working order, “Skookumchuck knowingly and willfully caused the overflows.”
Domtar has consistently asserted that, in the face of these challenges, it takes rejections of compliance seriously. A spokesperson for the company remarked, “Domtar takes findings of non-compliance seriously and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of environmental compliance.”
The company’s spokesperson reaffirmed that Domtar is continuing to put significant investments into permanent, long-term changes to manage effluent at the Skookumchuck mill. To optimize these treatment systems, they are currently running a bio-spike trial.
Commitment to Compliance and Future Initiatives
Nevertheless, for all the penalties levied against it, Domtar Inc. continues to profess its dedication to sustainability and adherence to international standards. Chris Stoicheff emphasized that the company’s operations remain distinct from any associated entities that may have faced criticism for destructive activities. He stated, “Domtar’s commitment to internationally recognized third-party certifications remains unwavering.”
Yet industry standards have changed dramatically over the years. Now, entities of Domtar’s corporate family are facing tougher standards after separating from such non-compliance. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) clarified that “no organization in the APP corporate group is eligible for association or certification until it completes a remedy process.”
While we celebrate this important step, it’s still critical that Domtar’s Skookumchuck mill be proactive in moving beyond its persistent failures. While the litigation proceeds, the company has already taken steps to improve its environmental practices and comply with regulatory requirements.
