Since Cominco took its first steps in environmental control 60 years ago, the surrounding area has been transformed from a barren valley to one that is lush and green.

C ominco’s commitment to the environment has been a major consideration of the Company's operations for 60 years. Trail Operations became a pioneer in environmental control with the construction of major Chemical and fertilizer plants in the 1930s that turned waste sulphur dioxide gas into beneficial agri- cultural products. The modernization of these plants over the years, as well as continuous monitoring, allows for careful control of sulphur emissions. Stack emissions, atmospheric sensors and impending weather patterns in the Columbia Valley are monitored 24 hours a day by the Company’s Waste Control Department. These technicians initiate production curtailments whenever necessary to meet the strict sulphur dioxide standards. Today, seven continuous monitoring stations within a 20-mile radius of Trail measure ambient air levels of sulphur, fluoride and heavy metals. As well, several stations collect dust samples which are routinely analyzed and reported to the government.

he Waste Tontrol Department also monitors the Columbia

River. Trail Operations uses about 60 million gallons per day of water from the river. Some of this water is used in the process and it is returned to the river after treatment in a Com- inco-designed, Effluent Treatment Plant. The majority of the water taken from the river is used for cooling purposes and is unaffected by contaminants. All outfalls are continuously monitored to en- sure that effluent quality meets government standards. As well, a water sampling system, installed by the federal government in co- operation with Cominco, samples the river water continuously to check on water quality downstream from the plants.

his emphasis on the protection of the environment has

developed throughout the years based on the fact that clean processes are the best means to control pollution. In the 1970s, Cominco recognized that continued operation of the lead and zinc smelting plants would require modernization with respect to the environment. With this realization, Cominco at Trail began a $725 million modernization program in 1977.

evisions to the new lead smetter are still on hold pending definitive process test results expected in the second quarter of the year. Lurgi, the process supplier, has advised Cominco that

satisfactory physical results were obtained in recent preliminary tests which used natural gas for reduction. While the test work carries on, Cominco will continue to work closely with Lurgi on the ‘QSL modification plans. Although the final design of the lead smelter and a start-up date are not set, Cominco is committed to completing and starting up the new smelter as soon as possible. The plant, as currently constructed is suitable for either revisions to the QSL process or conversion to another available technology should the need arise. Most of the plant’s equipment, systems and structure are not affected by the fundamental technology selection. For example, the Oxygen Plant, gas handling system, and slag and bullion treatment are compatible with any changes that may be necessary. As a back-up, Cominco is continuing to investigate and is prepared to have test work done on other commercial scale lead smelting processes including MIM’s IS- ASMELT and SAMIM's Kivcet technologies.

Pp rojects such as the new smelter are a key component of Trail’s Vision 2000 program, a group of values and funda- mental objectives that builds upon the strengths of Cominco’s human, natural and physical resources. The program envisions large areas of Trail Operations as reclaimed land where there now exists undesirable stockpiles of in-process material. This current method of dealing with these materials is no longer satis- factory and a management plan has been developed for their con- tainment and depletion over the next decade. Today, plans are being developed for the plants that will avoid the accumulation of stockpiles by treating all byproducts promptly.

ominco’s stewardship for the products it produces and their

effects on the environment extends far beyond the plant gates. Products such as ammonia, liquid sulphur dioxide and sul- phuric acid are transported by truck and anu rail from Trail. If an accident involving the transport of such products occurs, Trail is prepared to respond on a 24-hour basis with its Emergency Re- sponse Team. The team, which consists of 17 highly-trained volunteers, provides technical support and assistance in emer- gency situations across Canada and the United States. This support is given upon request, regardless of who owns the mate- rial at the time of transport or who is responsible for transport.

Cominco’'s Environmental Principles

Respect for the environment is a key element in Cominco’s long term economic prosperity. Demonstration of this requires

adherence to the following basic principles:

+ day-to-day operation of our plants will be conducted in a manner that will minimize adverse environmental effects on our

employees and our surroundings.

* prevention of future problems by ensuring that environmental improvements and waste reduction are an integral part of

plant modernization.

* adherence to environmental regulations combined with open and patticipative relationships with environmental agencies

will be our minimum standard of operation.

SELKIRK COLLEGE-

West Kootenay institution marks 25 years of growth

A quarter century after Selkirk College's much-celebrated as the pioneer college in B.C., the institution” continues to undergo dynamic changes nearly every year.

From its modest beginnings, which saw offerings in arts and science courses and forestry, business, chemical, mechanical and electronics technology programs, Selkirk College has grown approximately eight*fold. Today’s college calendar lists 37 program offerings in addition to a wide range of adult upgrading opportunities that lead to acquisition of Grade 10, 11 or 12 equivalency, high school graduation, and a host of college preparatory courses that enable learners to meet the for college

The past five years have seen tremendous.growth at Selkirk College with the introduction of comprehensive training in tourism and hospitality service subjects. New tourism programs have been added, most notably a 19-month program in golf club management and operations — the only one of its kind in Canada.

A travel agent program begari two years ago that has proved extremely popular, and the ski resort operations and management program, inaugurated 11 years ago at the Nelson campus this year expands to a two-year program.

Two years ago, a professional music program was begun in Nelson, returning to that community an element of the fine arts curriculum that was lost with the closure of the David Thompson University Centre in 1984. This exciting two-year program is primarily devoted to producing students who can function as performers in today’s music industry.

In addition to offering instruction in vocals, guitars, drums, woodwinds, bass and keyboard, Selkirk College’s music program features the largest musical instrument-digital interface (MIDI) lab of any music school in Canada. This computer technology, applied to the production and performance of music, has revolutionized the pg Today’s performer must not only be a competent musician,

he or she must also be proficient in the use of synthesized sound, and a host of other MIDI applications.

The addition of a commercial sound recording studio on campus in the second year of the program has allowed the program to offer a major in music production. The sound studio, built to professional

education, allows individuals who hold a bachelor’ 's degree in an arts or science discipline and who meet i by UBC, to undertake a one-year course of studies leading to teacher certification.

Through a consortium ai ement with school districts in the region, the entire credential lable to qualified candidates right here in the Selkirk College region. This program has been a boon to easing the existing shortage of elementary and secondary teachers for rural areas. Interest in this alternative is high and the first class is due to graduate in August, just in time to man regional classrooms.

In an effort to meet a strong regional demand for teaching degrees, the West Kootenay Teacher Education program hopes to offer a two-year program leading to a bachelor of education degree for individuals with three years of university studies to their credit. This will be an ideal opportunity for those currently teaching with a certificate to upgrade their credential, and an option for those who aspire to a degree in education yet can ill-afford to leave the area. Again, this arrangement is being worked out in collaboration with UBC, the Open University and a consortium of regional school districts who provide the classroom practicum training required of educators.

A couple of other alternatives in education leading to degrees are in the works for residents of the West Kootenay. Selkirk College’s Open Learning Centre in Castlegar is attempting to establish a collaborative bachelor of science in nursing degree with the University

standards, features 24-track i A f-the-art mixing board allows students to engineer sound to the most exacting specifications of a musician/producer. Having professional-quality recording capabilities permits each student to exit the program with a first-class demonstration tape, a boon to their employment prospects.

Cc is an i element that has been added to a number of program otterings at Selkirk College during the past five years. While many I and pi featured a work practicum as part of the training, cooperative education introduced the concept of.a paid work experience to the learning process.

Initially funded at Selkirk College by a federal initiative, cooperative education continues today with support from the’ provincial government and the college. Students in business

i business ii i systems science) and electronics engineering in ventures with employers in industry and government. Careful monitoring and thorough preparation of co-op ed students has earned Selkirk College a reputation as a source for well-trained, competent student workers. The tourism department at Selkirk College has also adopted a to its i that places students in the ski resort operations and management program and the golf club operations and management program.

One of the more exciting educational opportunities to be offered at Selkirk College in some years is the West Kootenay Teacher Education program. This teacher training program, offered in collaboration with the University of British Columbia faculty of

Improving the quality of day care and nursery schools is the aim of Selkirk College’s early childhood education students.

One-on-one help from instructors Is the rule rather than the exception at

Selkirk College.

Students from Selkirk pat oye reen hem tuD program ham It up photo

t) checks out a display dui ve eek at the Castlegar campus. Selkirk numerous cultural and social events during the year.

of Victoria and the Open University. If funded, the program would be implemented in September 1991. The proposal calls for the part-time delivery of courses at the Castlegar campus of Selkirk College.

Student populations have continued to grow at Selkirk College along, with the number of program offerings. Today, there are

1,800 students ling Selkirk College. That's quite a jump from the initial enrolment of 450 back in 1966. Student members have increased by eight to 15 per cent each year, so that now, the Castlegar campus is hard-pressed to accommodate any more classes. Overcrowding has been a fact of life at the college for several years, and appeals to the Ministry of Advanced Education, Job Training and Technology have recently been heeded with a capital infusion of more than $3 million to construct a new educational wing. The project, which will be completed by January 1992, will provide six additional classrooms, a 75-seat lecture theatre and 18 additional offices.

Expansion of the college’s sewage treatment plant has been funded and this upgrade will allow the college to begin construction on student residences at the Castlegar campus. Amendments to the Colleges and Institutes Act now permit the college to undertake financing construction of pus student Tenders have been let calling for architectural proposals to house 100 students. The Celgar pulp mill expansion is anticipated to cause a serious shortage of student housing in and around Castlegar, intensifying the need for student residences by September 1991.

+~An additional building proposal has been approved in principle for the Nelson campus that would see the construction of a new building to house the fine woodwork and carpentry program and the small appliance repair program. Details of the project have not yet been released, but proper facilities for these two programs have been needed to alleviate crowded ions and to meet the ds of the Workers Compensation Board.

Selkirk College is changing. This is a normal, healthy condition for an institution which is gorwing both in student numbers and in the diversity of program offerings. While the college may never be all things to all people, it is making @ conscious effort to provide the widest possible range of learning opportunities to the greatest number of people. And in that effort, it appears to be living up to its motto of being ‘‘your access to opportunity.”

Trevore w tage of jonal at Selkirk ‘at the Castlegar campus library.