Catalyst Paper, City of Port Alberni Finalize Wastewater Treatment Agreement
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The City of Port Alberni, B.C., Canada, completed its purchase of the Catalyst Paper (Richmond, B.C.) wastewater treatment facility and additional lands as scheduled on September 30, in accordance with formal agreements endorsed by both parties. To mark the successful close of the transaction, the presentation of a check representing the initial payment of $5 million was presented by Port Alberni Mayor John Douglas to Catalyst CEO Joe Nemeth at the Catalyst mill site yesterday, October 2 .The remaining $750,000 will be payable on the first anniversary of the closing date.
With the agreements in place, the city will now finalize and be eligible to draw on the $11.2 million grant provided by the federal government in 2012 to integrate Catalyst's lagoon with the city's wastewater treatment infrastructure and improve the city's compliance with the British Columbia Municipal Sewage Regulations and new federal regulations.
As part of the agreement, Catalyst has committed to accept sludge from the lagoon at no additional cost to the city prior to renovations beginning. As well, the city will provide tax certainty to Catalyst at 2012 levels for five years.
Also included with the agreement are land and a road dedication to enable the city to pursue the development of an industrial road along the waterfront. The acquired land runs from the Redford Street entrance to the Catalyst Paper mill to the existing Harbour Road intersection with Argyle Street.
Mayor John Douglas acknowledged the cooperative efforts between the city and Catalyst in reaching this agreement and said "this is a major step forward for the city in reaching key strategic priorities identified by Council. Our wastewater treatment system will receive significant upgrades, increasing capacity and improving water quality in the Alberni Harbour and Somass Estuary." He further added that "a new industrial road has been a priority for the community for many years, and I am excited by the opportunities this brings to increase the livability of our city."
"We are pleased to arrive at the final stages of this jointly beneficial agreement," said Nemeth. "This transaction represents a mutual investment in community prosperity and continued cooperation between community and our industry. It addresses the city's need for infrastructure while enabling Catalyst to focus on core operations."
Catalyst Paper produces specialty mechanical printing papers, newsprint, and pulp. With three mills in British Columbia, Catalyst has a combined annual product capacity of 1.5 million metric tons.
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