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Department of Ecology News Release - October 6, 2008
08-273
YAKIMA – Columbia River Carbonates (CRC) has taken a significant step toward reducing toxic diesel exhaust at its Wauconda Quarry in Okanogan County.
CRC makes high grade, ultra-fine calcium carbonate pigment products for the paper, paint, plastic and other industries throughout northwestern U.S. and western Canada.
Recently, the Ferry County Public Utility District (PUD) turned on a new power system at the plant, allowing CRC to turn off a diesel generator that was being used to power all quarry crushing operations.
As a result, 39 tons per year of air pollutants, from the combustion of diesel fuel, will no longer be emitted to the air, according to the Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology).
"Diesel exhaust is one of the worst air pollutants affecting Washington's citizens, contributing to respiratory disease, heart disease and lung cancer," explained Lynnette Haller, an air quality engineer with Ecology. "Columbia River Carbonates and Ferry County PUD are to be applauded for this joint venture to improve our environment."
Earlier this year the Ferry County PUD received $394,000 in loan and grant financing from Washington State Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to construct a three-phase power distribution system to retain Columbia River Carbonates' (CRC) operation in the state.
CERB funds are matched with $169,946 in local funds.
The new power system will replace a diesel generator, reducing costs for CRC, an essential component for the company to stay competitive and sustain operations. The three-phase power also provides a better environmental solution and helps the PUD restore lost industrial load.
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Media Contact: Joye Redfield-Wilder, 509- 575-2610; jred461@ecy.wa.gov
CTED press release http://www.cted.wa.gov/DesktopModules/CTEDNews/CTEDNewsView.aspx?tabID=0&ItemID=165&mid=875
Reducing Diesel Exhaust focus sheet http://www.ecy.wa.gov/pubs/0602018.pdf
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
