Industry
Chemicals
All workers ‘accounted for’ after tower collapse in Sarnia: Imperial Oil
It was out of service at the time of the incident, being prepared for maintenance.
2 Kansas companies indicted over noxious chemical cloud
The three-count indictment alleges that Midwest Grain Products Inc. and Harcros Chemicals Inc. violated the Clean Air Act.
Pembina proceeding with polypropylene plant venture with Kuwaiti firm
Plastic pellets will be sent to manufacturers around the world for use in the production of recyclable products.
Quebec paint manufacturers seize on Sico’s exit to grab market share
US company plans to close its plant in Quebec City and distribution centre in the Montreal area next September.
Judge upholds Monsanto verdict, cuts award to US$78M
Lawsuit is among hundreds alleging Roundup weed killer caused cancer, but it was the first one to go to trial.
Saint John residents warned of possible flare ups at Irving refinery
Explosion sent flames and black smoke into the sky but caused only minor injuries.
Canada’s economy surges in second quarter on higher exports: StatCan
Economy rocketed to an annualized pace of 2.9 per cent in the period from April 1 through June 30.
Statistics Canada says retail sales fell 0.2 per cent to $50.7B in June
Economists had expected an increase of 0.1 per cent in June.
Calls for action on toxics White House called ‘PR nightmare’ [UPDATED]
Significant amounts of toxic chemicals have been found in public water supplies in 33 US states: these compounds have been moved up as a national priority.
Plastic degrading in the ocean produces greenhouse gas: study
Canadian-led researchers in Hawaii found emissions phenomenon is intensified by sun exposure.
Nutrien to cut 80 jobs at Vanscoy potash operation in efficiency push
Will take place in the fourth quarter this year and include about 30 staff and 50 hourly positions.
Canada’s wholesale sales rise 1.2% in May: Statistics Canada
Construction materials show strength, automotive and supplies fall.
Vancouver area laundry microplastics are filtering into ocean: Study
Many of the microplastics are in the form of fibres from polyester and rayon clothing.
Judge awards Dow Chemical $1.06B in damages against Nova Chemicals
Nova found to have breached the joint venture agreements both as operator and as co-owner.
Industrial chemicals in water supplies more toxic than thought: report
Sampling has found perfluoroalkyl, polyfluoroalkylcontamination in water around military bases, factories and other sites.
BC aims to recycle difficult plastic: chip bags, crinkly wraps
Non-profit BC Recycle is gearing up for province-wide collection next year.
SNC Lavalin gets contract to design, deliver $1.9B chemical plant in Oman
Plant is expected to produce polyvinyl chloride, used to make rigid plastic pipes.
Statistics Canada says trade deficit narrowed to $1.9B in April
Canadian exporters in for a rough ride, says TD.
Plastic makers say goal is no plastic in landfills by 2030
Targets designed to get ahead of government regulation; Canada in consultation phase of national plastics strategy.
Research needed re: impact of microplastics on BC shellfish
Simon Fraser study found microplastics at 16 sites in the Baynes Sound and Lambert Channel areas.
Researchers use willows to decontaminate polluted soil on industrial site
Montreal project rehabilitates brownfields abandoned because they’re too expensive to redevelop.
Emissions of banned ozone-eating chemical mysteriously rising
Countries report close to zero production since 2006 but 13,000 tonnes released a year since 2013.
Baby bibs, blankets contain toxins Canada banned in other products: report
End federal exemptions that allow such chemicals in clothes and other textiles: Environmental Defence
Louisiana: $1.5B in tax breaks for $9.4B Taiwanese plant
Includes about $1.4 billion in local property tax exemptions for the Formosa Petrochemicals.
Taiwan company plans $9.4B chemical complex in Louisiana
Project is expected to provide 1,200 permanent jobs with average salaries of $84,500.
Government, US Steel reach consent decree over chemical spill
Discharge contained hexavalent chromium, a toxic heavy metal that might be carcinogenic if ingested.
DowDuPont to invest $50M in global Kevlar operations
Investment will go toward upgrading and modernizing equipment to improve production.
NC may test food near Chemours plant for industrial chemical
Chemicals released into the air were found in about 40% of the food samples collected within about 4 kilometres of the European factory.
3M to pay $850 million to settle suit over chemical disposal
Company says it was acting legally at the time, will pay the fine in15 days, no admission of liability.
Minnesota’s $5B case over 3M chemicals heads to trial
Wide-reaching implications if the state succeeds, in part because 3M and other companies legally dumped the chemicals for years.
China imposes anti dumping measure amid trade tensions
US, South Korea and Taiwan targeted for selling styrene monomer 5% to 10.7% below the proper price level.
On-site safety is no accident
Many workplace injuries can be prevented or minimized with the proper safety-approved workwear and PPE.
