1. Introduction

About this Report
In 1999 Alcan’s Kitimat smelter became the first industrial facility in British Columbia to obtain a multi-media environmental permit from the provincial government. This permit comprehensively addresses multiple emissions, effluents and solid wastes – setting limits and establishing monitoring and reporting requirements.

The multi-media permit replaced a number of previous permits which were much narrower in focus. It is a key regulatory compliance benchmark for Alcan B.C. (although by no means the only one).

The multi-media permit has been the basis for a more results-oriented environmental management approach, which often leads to better outcomes. It also better facilitates compliance monitoring and transparency from a public and stakeholder standpoint.

2004 saw an important environmental-management milestone at Alcan B.C., with the completion of the operation’s first five-year Pollution Prevention Plan. This plan was one of the main bases for the issuing of the multi-media permit. (See Section 4)

Alcan B.C. achieved generally positive environmental performance results during 2004, and credits the efforts and diligence of its employees for this success.

Alcan B.C.’s multi-media permit mandates annual reporting, with respect to performance against key aspects of the requirements it establishes. These reports are provided to the provincial government and made publicly available.

This 2004 Environmental Annual Report is available online at www.alcaninbc.com/ear/2004. Alcan B.C. also provides updated reporting on key environmental performance indicators throughout the year at www.alcaninbc.com/kitimat (look under the “Environment” heading in the menu sidebar on the left of the page).

Alcan B.C. makes a significant investment in this reporting initiative, going well beyond permit requirements. Background information is provided, and every effort is made to ensure the information is accessibly presented. Questions or comments with respect to this report are welcome, and can be directed to .

Letter of Transmittal (51KB pdf)

Corporate Environment, Health & Safety Policy (78KB pdf)

Download full pdf version: (6.1MB)