Teck: working for a better Trail

As a long-term partner with the city, Teck Trail Operations has initiatives for the environment and community

The number 1 acid plant will be an important update to Teck Trail Operations. — Photo courtesy Catherine Adair

Without Teck Trail Operations, Trail, B.C., would be a completely different place. After more than a century in the region, Teck remains the main economic driver in the area, as well as its largest employer. Canada’s first electrolytic copper refinery was started in Trail in 1896 and, today, Teck Trail Operations is among the largest integrated zinc and lead smelting and refining complexes in the world.

Cleaner air for Trail

Teck has focused on environmental and air-quality improvements in the area, helping to ensure that Trail can be a great place to live, as well as to work.

“Overall emissions of metals to air and water have declined by more than 95 per cent over the last 20 years,” said Catherine Adair, community relations leader with Teck Trail Operations. "We have invested about $1.5 billion in plant modernization that has helped to improve our environmental performance. This includes the installation of the KIVCET furnace, the effluent treatment plant, the zinc electrolytic and melting plant and other major environmental management equipment and upgrades to existing plants.”

In 2012, Teck also completed a $5.8-million effluent spill reduction project with enhancements being made to 245 locations at the Trail operations.

Another exciting initiative that is currently underway is the construction of a new acid plant, intended to replace two older ones. This project, with a capital investment of $125 million, will be an important part of Teck’s zinc and fertilizer production process. Construction on the acid plant began in 2012 and the plant is on schedule to become operational in early 2014.

“The new technology will significantly improve operating reliability and flexibility, and reduce downtime and maintenance costs,” said Adair about the acid plant construction. “The new plant will improve environmental performance at Teck Trail Operations through an estimated reduction in total sulfur dioxide emissions of between 10 and 15 per cent per year from current levels.”

Building a strong community

Teck Trail Operations has long been socially involved in the Trail community. The company is a member of the award-winning Trail Health and Environment Committee (THEC) along with Interior Health and the Ministry of Environment. THEC works to promote health and a clean environment as related to smelter metals, specifically in preventing exposure to lead. One result of the committee's work has been consistently improving air quality in the area. Teck also contributes to a number of community groups and events through both donations and partnerships. Sports, arts and medical institutions are only some of the areas that Teck has supported.

It’s been a long-standing and significant partnership between Trail and Teck—industry and community working together to improve lifestyle for both residents and employees. With a successful history, Trail can look forward to continued growth with Teck.

“Teck Trail Operations is very proud of its role as an active community partner and economic driver within the region,” said Adair. “We’re committed to contributing to the ongoing growth and development of this vibrant part of the province.”