February 22, 2008 - The Observer, Sarnia, Ontario

Posted by Jack Poirier

Mayor approves of plant; Toronto company being offered lanxess land

Article available at http://www.theobserver.ca.

A Toronto company's plan to build an ethanol plant in Sarnia's industrial sector has support from the city's mayor.

After meeting with Northern Ethanol officials this week, Mike Bradley said he'll provide whatever assistance he can to help the project along.

"We want them to know they're welcome."

The company has a conditional offer to purchase 30 acres of land owned by Lanxess located near the Aamjiwnaang First Nation. The land is part of a 300-acre chemical park Lanxess hopes to develop.

The chemical park is being assembled using a combination of land formerly occupied by defunct Lanxess units, as well as adjacent undeveloped property.

If Northern Ethanol wins the necessary approvals, the ethanol plant would be located near the intersection of Vidal Street and Huron Boulevard, close to the St. Clair River.

Bradley said the property already has the proper zoning designation. On a positive note, Bradley said the ethanol plant would be more environmentally friendly than other alternatives. It's also better than having the property left vacant as a brownfield site, he noted. Northern Ethanol spokesperson Natalie Horrell said company officials will also be meeting with Aamjiwnaang First Nation representatives next month in an effort to alleviate any concerns they have regarding the project.

Horrell said the plant would be closed off from the river. The company is also in advanced discussion to purchase steam, meaning there won't be any need to have boilers on site.

"It lowers our emissions and reduces the environmental footprint of the project. We are hoping to have the lowest possible emissions," Horrell said.

After meeting with key community stakeholders, Horrell said public consultation meetings would be held as the company moves on getting site plan approvals and necessary environmental permits.

"If all goes well we hope to break ground by late 2008."

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