Coast Forest: Reports

Log bundling strand should be recovered to the fullest extent possible, keeping in mind the need to comply with the Fisheries Act and CEPA 1999, and the need for recovery and recycling procedure to meet labour and safety requirements. The majority of the almost 15 million metres of log bundling strand used annually by coastal logging operations can be recovered and recycled. Recovery is cost effective, particularly when compared to the loss of even one dozer boat propeller snagged on strand, which can translate into thousands of dollars in down-time and repair costs. In addition, recovering strand reduces the cost of dredging, as it may eliminates the need to pay standby fees for a barge and crew while workers recover strand from dredged material.

While some recycled strand was unusable in the past, current recycled log bundling strand is a high-quality product that can save forest companies money and eliminate disposal problems while benefiting the environment. Recycling companies pick up the recovered strand, remanufacture it, then sell it back to forest companies at a cost lower than that of new strand.

With the new recycled wire, because we’re receiving pre-cut wire and it’s not in a spooled form, it’s been very successful for us…with precuts we’re not worried about cutting the wire, we’re not getting any hang-ups… strength-wise, with the new seals they’re putting on, we’re not breaking any wires…for our situation, it’s not a problem at all.

- Derrick Stevenson, Log Sorting Supervisor,
MacKenzie Seizai, Interfor

With new wire, when you get it, the odd spool isn’t tensioned quite right when they make it, and when you cut it it’ll all unravel on you…that makes it hard to work with because its got to be stuffed into collars…you don’t have that with recycled wires because it’s been used once already…so it’s very good in that sense.

- Ron Harris, Owner / Operator,
Mission Ridge Enterprises

Those who discard or dispose of log bundling strand in the aquatic environment may be found in violation of federal law. Equally important, the discarded or disposed of strand may present a hazard to navigation. Penalties for offences under CEPA 1999 and the Fisheries Act are severe, and no company wants an environmental offence on public record. Recovering strand is a simple task and can readily become routine. For more information on the recovery and recycling of log bundling strand refer to the Log Bundling Strand Recycling Initiative video and companion poster available from Environment Canada.

All things considered, it makes good business and environmental sense for industry and regulators to join together, ensure recovery of log bundling strand, and incorporate the recycled strand back into the process.

For further information on this initiative please contact:

Environment Canada
Environmental Protection Branch
Ocean Disposal Control Program
#201 - 401 Burrard Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 3S5

Or visit:
http://www.pyr.ec.gc.ca/EN/ocean-disposal/index_e.htm