Quebec Minister of the Environment Benoit Charette is not closing the door on the idea of subjecting the future Northvolt factory to the impact assessment procedure that applies to industrial projects, we learned The duty. This approach includes carrying out a study of environmental, social and economic issues, but also public consultations.
Even before the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP) had analyzed the details of the factory project, Prime Minister François Legault affirmed last week that the procedure assessment and review of impacts would not apply.
It must be said that in July the CAQ government modified the rules which determine whether such a project is subject to the procedure, which includes the carrying out of an impact study, but also probably an examination by the Bureau d’audiences. public consultations on the environment (BAPE), including independent public consultations.
The Northvolt project is therefore not automatically subject to this procedure, unlike several industrial projects in Quebec, notably certain factories, mining projects, landfill sites and electricity transmission lines. “It is a factory which is excellent for the environment, all environmental rules will be respected”, justified François Legault last Friday, calling on environmental groups to “applaud this extraordinary project”.
Recommendation ?
The Environmental Quality Act, however, allows Minister Benoit Charette to recommend to the government that the battery component factory be subject to the procedure. To do this, it must determine whether “the project may raise major environmental issues and whether public concerns justify it”, or whether “the project involves a new technology or a new type of activity in Quebec for which it is appropriate.” “opinion that the anticipated impacts on the environment are major”.
Does the minister intend to make such a recommendation? “We will wait to have all the information on the project as well as my ministry’s evaluation before making a decision. I would like to point out that there is a regulatory and legislative framework which predefines the criteria for an impact assessment procedure,” argued Minister Charette, in a written statement in response to questions from Le Devoir.
“Although I have no intention of evading the regulatory framework in place, rest assured that we will ensure that the project is respectful of the environment and citizens,” he added.
Social acceptability
If the minister moves forward with a recommendation in favor of the complete environmental assessment procedure provided for by the Environment Quality Act, the proponent will have to produce an impact study dealing with several issues that should characterize its project: social acceptability, repercussions on the local road network, climatic effects, impact on public health, consequences on natural environments and biodiversity, etc.
Once this impact study is deemed complete, the process would normally lead to an examination of the project by the BAPE, including public hearings which allow independent consultation of the government and the promoter. Normally, it is only at the end of this procedure that the BAPE submits its report to the government, which then makes the decision whether or not to authorize the project.
The Northvolt multinational plant should be built on the now partly fallow land of the former Canadian Industries Limited plant in McMasterville, which ceased to exist nearly 25 years ago. This was demolished and the land would have been decontaminated, indicates the Quebec directory of contaminated land.
Concerns
However, the project raises concerns among citizens. It must be said that the car battery component factory will be located on the banks of the Richelieu River, in an area where there are residential areas, an early childhood center and a residence for the elderly. The influx of thousands of workers will also have impacts in the region.
Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault did not rule out an assessment by the federal government last week. “We will study whether or not the project should pass through the prism of a federal evaluation. The Quebec government will follow its own process,” he said.
For Patrick Bonin, head of the Climate-Energy campaign at Greenpeace Canada, it is necessary to submit the project to a complete evaluation. “There are several issues, and for us it is important that the battery sector gets off on the right foot, and to do that, it takes a real public hearing where people will be able to ask questions, get their answers,” said he said, referring in particular to the BAPE.
With The Canadian Press