Nova Scotia agency approves TDF project

Lafarge Canada Inc. receives approval to test the use of tires as a fuel at plant in Nova Scotia.

The Nova Scotia Department of Environment has given Lafarge Canada Inc. approval to use tire-derived fuel (TDF) at the company’s cement plant in Colchester County, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Under the agreement, Lafarge is permitted to operate the project during a 12-month period. The company will have to conduct air quality monitoring at regular intervals when the kiln is operating. Groundwater and surface water monitoring also are required.

Industrial approvals will be issued by staff at the Department of Environment. Normally, industrial approvals are issued for a 10-year period. The shorter period allows the province to ensure that terms and conditions are being met and can be modified if needed to ensure the environment and human health are protected, according to the department.

According to regional media reports, Lafarge Canada will be allowed to use TDF as up to 15 percent of its daily fuel needs, within the parameters of a 20-metric-tons-per-day limit.