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Wildfire smoke impacts operations at Trail smelter

The oxygen plant at Teck Trail has been shutdown due to thick wildfire smoke
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Smoke and a lack of rain is characterizing mid-summer in Trail and across the province. Smoke was so thick in the Silver City last week that operations were affected at Teck Trail. As well, due to extreme drought, the City of Trail has cut its outdoor water usage at most parks by 50 per cent and is asking property owners to voluntarily do the same. Photo: Sheri Regnier

Operations at the Trail smelter’s metallurgical facility have been affected by the heavy smoke from wildfires burning across southwestern British Columbia.

Specifically, Teck is confirming the oxygen plant at Trail has been shut down due to poor ambient air quality, and the usual mitigation measures have not been adequate to deal with conditions.

Further, the plant’s zinc refining operations are running at approximately 70 per cent of normal rates.

Lead refining continues to operate normally; however, the lead smelting operations have been temporarily idled.

Resumption of full production will depend on improvements in air quality.

Regional air quality conditions are being actively monitored and Trail operations has response plans in place to protect employee safety.

Read more: Why Teck Trail is an essential service

Read more: Teck Trail reports third ammonia leak this year



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Sheri Regnier

About the Author: Sheri Regnier

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