Graymont and the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation have signed a cooperation agreement regarding the company's proposed limestone quarry and lime plant near Giscome.
Under the agreement announced last week, the First Nation stands to see economic benefits from the proposed development. The agreement also addresses potential concerns about archeological sites, traditional use in the area and environmental impacts.
"Lheidli T'enneh is very pleased to have reached this agreement with Graymont," Lheidli T'enneh Chief Dominic Frederick said in a written statement. "Graymont has been very respectful and has taken our concerns and interests seriously. This represents a critical step for an initiative that we believe will have a positive and lasting impact on the community of Lheidli T'enneh and the region."
The proposed lime kilns stand to be a major new source of greenhouse gases - with the potential to increase the province's carbon dioxide emissions by 0.32 to 1.24 per cent above 2012 levels, based on data for similar lime kiln operations in the U.K. gathered by environmental consultant Entec. The amount of emissions depend on the level of production and choice of fuel for the kilns, which could include coal or petroleum coke -an industrial byproduct created by crude oil refineries.
Graymont estimates the plant will employ 10 to 15 people full time once operational.
In a press release Graymont president Stphane Godin said the agreement, "cements an already strong relationship" with the Lheidli T'enneh.
Earlier this month Rob Beleutz, Graymont's health, safety and environment manager and auditor, said the company expects to file to the B.C. Environmental Assessment Office for environmental certification before the end of the year.
If the company receives all regulatory approvals in 2015, Graymont plans to begin construction in late 2015 and be operational by 2017.
For more information about the proposed project, see Limestone project grinds ahead (http://bit.ly/ZAiviy), which was published in The Citizen earlier this month.
