"The residents of Frenchville have been plagued with a persistent air pollution problem, and I am pleased that the Canadian government is finally taking action to see that this issue is quickly resolved. Investing in changes and holding the company accountable are signs that Premier Lord and the Canadian government are committed to improving the quality of life for residents, many of whom have avoided the outdoors due to the oppressive odors," Senator Collins said.
On May 20th Senator Collins met with New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord urging swift action regarding the disturbing odor. In response to this request, Premier Lord informed Senator Collins that the company must comply with requests to dispose all waste materials to an approved facility and submit an odor management plan. If the company fails to take such action, the Canadian government will issue a Ministerial Order under the Clean Air Act for failure to prevent the release of odors and to suspend the approval until a plan is provided.
Further, the Canadian government has announced that it will be investing $625,000 to resolve the issue. It is expected that this action will be a permanent solution that will reduce the odors by 95 percent. Initial changes to the plant that will reduce odors should be in place in the next three months.
Senator Collins has been committed to seeing the Canadian government act quickly in resolving the issue. Prior to her meeting with Premier Lord, she asked the U.S. Ambassador to Canada to investigate the air pollution problem plaguing the residents of Frenchville and work with the Canadian Government to resolve this issue. As a result, the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and officials with the New Brunswick provincial government are studying the situation to ensure that the plant is operating in compliance and to determine if the regulations are still adequate given the recent complaints. Further, the Embassy assured Senator Collins that it would continue to monitor the situation.
###