Green

Building on its strategic priority to capitalize on new environmental and renewable energy opportunities, the City of Greater Sudbury will be developing a biodiesel facility in the city.

A geothermal energy study in Timmins is moving ahead, following a recent funding announcement from the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines. Minister Jim Wilson announced in October that the city would receive $45,000 for the study.

Geothermal energy could save the City of Timmins money on heating and air-conditioning costs. It could also be used as a tool to attract new businesses.

Plans by Synfuel Technologies, a small Illinois-based energy company, to build a 120-megawatt cogeneration plant in Thunder Bay are progressing, according to Robert Van Patten, president of the company.

Residents in Ontario face a major change in their hydro bill next spring as Hydro One overhauls their rates for some parts of rural Ontario. Dryden is one of 17 municipalities in the province that could see power bills increase by up to 40 per cent.

Forestry companies in the Algoma area opened their woodlots and plantations for viewing and scrutiny as part of an effort to keep the public informed on forestry practices.

In a chemistry lab within the walls of Laurentian University researchers have developed molecules, which could improve the remedial process of industrial water.

A new educational river overflowing with possibilities runs through Lakehead University in Thunder Bay. Starting in September 2003, the institution will open its doors to students in the newly created water resource science program.

Dryden residents spent some anxious hours wondering if the community would be evacuated following a chlorine dioxide leak from Weyerhaeuser's pulp and paper mill on July 30.

Phase 2 of the proposed biomass waste disposal project in Emo Township is underway with an application to FedNor and to the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines for funding.