B.C. SEEKS ALTERNATIVES TO OPEN BURNING

VICTORIA – The B.C. government is investing $600,000 over three years to better protect air quality by exploring new techniques and technologies to manage woody debris from logging and land development, Environment Minister Barry Penner and Forests and Range Minister Pat Bell announced today.

“Protecting and improving our air quality is one of our greatest priorities,” said Penner. “By exploring and promoting alternatives to the open burning of logging debris, we’ll be able to significantly reduce air pollution from that source, and to better protect the health of British Columbians.”

The funding allocated by the Ministry of Forests and Range is part of the $28.5-million BC Air Action Plan released in June by the provincial government. The project will be co-ordinated by FPInnovations’ Feric Division, a non-profit research and development organization that promotes the sustainable development of forestry operations.

“With higher energy prices, there is an opportunity to make better use of this fibre by converting it to bio energy and other products,” said Bell. “By better utilizing the resource, we can promote economic diversification, ensure healthy forests, and improve air quality – it’s a real win-win for rural communities and the environment.”

Burning very fine woody debris like twigs and stems does not generate as much particulates and it can help keep forests healthy. Burning the larger pieces leads to poor air quality.

“The B.C. forest sector is actively taking steps to reduce its environmental footprint,” said Ian de la Roche, FPInnovations President and CEO. “This program is a great opportunity for researchers to work with forest operations managers to create and showcase science-based innovations that will reduce wildland fire risk while protecting B.C.'s air quality.”

Submissions for funding under the grant will be open to researchers with relevant experience in alternatives to burning, burning techniques or smoke management. The program will be administered in three phases, with phase one covering funding for field trials and demonstration projects in collaboration with B.C. forest companies.

Organizations interested in demonstrating concepts or tools that can be applied to this program are invited to submit a letter of intent outlining proposed projects to FPInnovations by Aug. 29, 2008. For more information, log on to www.feric.ca/en

For details on the provincial government’s initiatives to improve and protect air quality, please visit www.env.gov.bc.ca/pac/airquality.htm and the BC Air Action Plan website, www.bcairsmart.ca

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Media contact:	Ray Ault FPInnovations 780 865-6977	Kate Thompson Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Environment 250 953-4577
	Ministry of Forests and Range Public Affairs Bureau 250 387-8486
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