Castlegar’s Mercer Celgar will be conducting a millwide evacuation drill on Friday, October 25.
The drill, which is scheduled to occur at 11 a.m., will test the pulp mill’s emergency response process and meet Environment Canada’s E2 requirements.
A media release from Celgar states that the mock drill scenario will focus on their response and notification systems in the event of a catastrophic release of chlorine dioxide (ClOâ‚‚).
A risk analysis and plume modelling have already been conducted in advance of the drill, assessing the potential impacts on the surrounding community. The findings were then shared with the Castlegar Fire Department to be used as part of their own community emergency response and evacuation planning.
During the drill, the Celgar Crisis Management Team will also conduct a live test of its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) procedures. Celgar states that this step is essential in ensuring their readiness to protect both employees and the surrounding community in the event of an emergency.
Community members are advised that they may hear alarm noises coming from the mill while the drill is underway.
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