Lafarge Exshaw plant meets emissions targets

Lafarge Canada Inc. has met its target to reduce emissions of dust, sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen from the existing kiln line at its cement plant in Exshaw, Alberta.

The plant is currently undergoing an expansion project to boost cement production capacity by 60%, as part of which it upgraded its existing kiln line. The plant has achieved significant emissions reduction, including a 60% reduction in SO₂ and a 40% reduction in NO_X.

The $20 million upgrade has also achieved another important environmental win: no water discharge from the process. Bob Cooper, Vice President Western Canada Cement, Lafarge, explains: “When we embarked on this project, we made a promise to our customers and neighbors that we would improve our environmental footprint. We've taken the first major step to reduce SO₂, NO_X, and kiln particulate matter. And we are now recycling all of our cooling water, which means no discharge back to the Bow River and the plant is drawing less water.”

"We are grateful to all of our staff and the contractor teams who have helped us reach this milestone and to the communities near our Plant, for their support," says Heinz Knopfel, plant manager at Lafarge, Exshaw. "They have been waiting for these improvements since the notion of this expansion was first discussed and we're happy to deliver on our promise."

The expansion project continues at the plant, where a new kiln line and vertical cement mill are also being installed. Completion is scheduled for summer 2015.

The economic impact of the plant's increased production and GDP of Alberta is estimated at $800 million per year. Lafarge's investment of hundreds of millions of dollars in the expansion will provide long-term employment opportunities in the Bow Valley.

Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/20082014/lafarge-exshaw-cement-plant-meets-emissions-targets-332/