West Fraser, EPCOR explore biomass power opportunity

HOUSTON, BRITISH COLUMBIA - West Fraser and EPCOR are working together to explore the potential of a biomass fueled 50-70 megawatt power generation facility in the area of Houston, B.C.

The project is at the pre-feasibility stage. If the project does proceed, it would be developed as part of BC Hydro's Phase II bio-energy Request for Proposal process and would utilize sawmill waste, forest residuals from harvesting activities such as slash and tree limbs, and low-grade beetle-killed wood.

A decision on proceeding with the project is not expected until late 2008 and will be subject to West Fraser and EPCOR confirming the economic viability of the project and being successful bidders in the BC Hydro process. The project would also be subject to satisfactory contractual agreements being reached among all parties and various permit and government approvals being obtained, including the approval of the BC Utilities Commission.

West Fraser operates sawmills and holds timber tenures in the area. EPCOR is one of Canada's leading providers of power and water services and operates one of North America's largest biomass power plants, located in Williams Lake, B.C.

West Fraser is an integrated wood products company that produces lumber, wood chips, LVL, MDF, plywood, pulp, linerboard, kraft paper and newsprint.

The Company has manufacturing operations in western Canada and the southern United States. West Fraser has approximately 9,000 employees and is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia.