Plant could generate $20-million annually
York County resident proposes an environmentally friendly wood-pellet plant in Nackawic
A Southampton businessman is hoping to diversify the economy and create new jobs in Nackawic.
Malcolm Fox, president of York Energy Inc., is seeking the town's approval to construct a wood-pellet plant on the vacant property next to Wilson's gas bar, along Route 105.
At Monday night's council meeting, Fox made a public presentation concerning his proposal.
He wants to construct a 2,000-square-foot building, which would house the manufacturing plant and offices.
"Wood pellets are proving to be a strong and viable option to seeking alternative fuel sources," said Fox, "and we want to produce them here in Nackawic. This plant has the potential to create some good jobs and would generate $20-million a year for the town."
What makes his business venture unique is the wood-pellet manufacturing process is environmentally friendly.
The pellets are composed of wood materials, using sawdust and sawmill residue, Fox explained, and, because of the high temperatures used in the combustion process, no chemicals or glues are needed in the bonding process.
"This is a clean operation," explained Fox. "Everything will be used, leaving no waste."
In addition, the process would produce less-harmful emissions compared to larger New Brunswick-based industries, and it would meet the stringent Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, he said.
Fox said the plant would operate 24-hours a day and employ about 20 people directly and 150 indirectly. The wood supply for the pellets, he said, would be purchased from private-woodlot owners, and it is not limited to certain types of trees.
"We are a privately owned company, and we are open to any woodlot owner," Fox explained. "We can use any species of tree out there, both hardwood and softwood."
Mayor Rowena Simpson was impressed by Fox's business plan.
It would certainly spell good news for the town and the local economy, she added.
"Council fully supports a businessman like Malcolm Fox coming into the area," Simpson said. "He has done all of his homework and has environment studies done. He has been looking at this for quite a long time, and I think if we can make it work, it is a win-win situation for Nackawic and surrounding areas. It will be a good thing."
But not everyone supports Fox's idea.
Homeowner Randy Rousse questioned Fox on the environmental impact the plant would have on the surrounding area.
Where wood-pellet manufacturing is bio-degradable, Fox replied, there would be no potential hazard to the environment. Studies done by officials at the Department of Environment supported this, he added, and Rousse was more than welcome to contact the department to see the studies.
Not satisfied, Rousse said the construction of the plant would depreciate the values of the nearby homes, which are already in close proximity of AV Nackawic, with the machinery and sawdust pile lying around in plain view.
Fox replied most of the machinery would be stored out-of-sight with the exception of the dryer. As for the necessary sawdust pile, he said, the company was more than willing to landscape the property and put in a hedge to hide the pile from sight.
"I still don't agree with it," Rousse said, "and I have spoken with other homeowners who don't like the idea either."
Fox told Rousse he was shocked at Rousse's comments because Fox had spoken with residents in the proposed area, and he received nothing but positive feedback from the homeowners.
Rousse and others have until Aug. 7 to submit written objections to Fox's proposed wood-pellet plant. Council will then hear those objections on Sept. 2.
In addition, council would have to amend the rezoning bylaw from highway commercial to industrial in order for the plant to be built in the proposed location, Simpson explained.
If all goes well, the earliest Fox could begin construction would be mid- to late-September.
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