The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako (RDBN) has weighed in on a proposal from West Fraser Mills to discharge ash from its Pacific Inland Resources mill onto agricultural lands near Smithers and Telkwa. At its Sept. 18 meeting, the RDBN board of directors voted by majority to approve staff’s recommendation. The application to the Ministry of Environment and Parks, seeks authorization under the Environmental Management Act to allow up to 150 bulk tonnes of a blend of fly and bottom ash per hectare each year. …According to West Fraser, the farmers are interested in the ash because it raises soil pH and contains nutrients such as potassium, nitrogen, and sulphur, reducing the need for commercial fertilizers. …The material would then be applied with standard manure-spreading equipment, typically every three to four years depending on crop and soil needs.