
- 95% of the water we use in our pulp operations is returned to the environment
Water Use in Manufacturing
Solid wood mills primarily use water for heating, misters for dust control and to cool equipment. At three sawmill sites, we also employ water in a closed-loop system for the cooling needs of our three biomass-fueled ORC bioenergy systems. Our solid wood mills use little process water compared to the water used in the pulping process at our pulp facilities.
Water use data is most relevant to pulping facilities, which use and treat large volumes of water in the course of a year. Water is used to wash and process pulp, transport it through the mill, cooling process effluent for effective environmental treatment, and for heat and power generation. The total volume of water required in facilities is determined by the type of pulp processing, with mechanical processes requiring less water.
Water in West Fraser’s Forest Operations
Water is an important - and protected - resource throughout our operations. We specifically address, manage and monitor stream and watercourse protection as part of our sustainable forest management activities. We operate under strict regulations with regard to water or watercourses on the lands where we harvest, which are enforced within our land-use planning.
For information about water stewardship as it relates to sustainable forestry, see the sustainable forest management section.