Northvolt is sanctioned for having cleared a marsh which should not have been cleared, as part of the preparation work for its Saint-Basile-le-Grand site, we have learned The Pressand Quebec promises to make “no compromise”.
A “notice of non-compliance” was sent to the Swedish multinational on Wednesday by the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks (MELCCFP), the very first since the company began its work in January.
The MELCCFP criticizes Northvolt for “not having respected the standards, conditions, restrictions and prohibitions” provided for in its environmental authorization, having “cleared the entire area to be preserved from the MH93 marsh”, indicates the document that The Press obtained.
MAP PROVIDED BY THE FIRM CIMA+, ANNOTATED BY THE PRESS
Northvolt terrain map
This marsh of just over 1000 m2located in the center of the company’s land, has ecological functions considered “low to medium” in the floristic inventories and characterizations of wet and water environments prepared by the firm CIMA+ as part of the authorization request submitted by Northvolt .
It is “invaded by invasive exotic flora species”, including the common reed, and “is not hydrologically connected” to the rest of the wetlands on the site.
Two mature ash trees that were there were also felled during brush clearing.
Corrective actions
The “accidental clearing” of the marsh was noted on February 16 by the Office of Applied Ecology, an environmental consulting services cooperative which was tasked by Northvolt with monitoring the work it is having done on the site, indicated the multinational in a statement it sent to The Press.
The MELCCFP for its part noted this during an inspection carried out on March 5, indicates its notice of non-compliance.
Northvolt then asked the subcontractor who carried out the clearing, the Urban Wood Valorization Center, to propose corrective measures.
These measures, transmitted on March 15 to the MELCCFP, provide for the planting this spring of seven dogwoods with alternate leaves, seven Hart dogwoods and seven willows; they are currently being evaluated by the Ministry.
“We are committed to doing things well and respecting environmental regulations,” indicates Northvolt in its statement, emphasizing that it acted proactively even before being sanctioned.
No penalty… for now
Northvolt is not fined, but the notice of non-compliance specifies that “the Ministry reserves the right” to take administrative or judicial measures, including the imposition of an administrative monetary penalty of up to 2,500 to $5,000 per violation.
“It is a deplorable situation which resulted in the loss of 1067 m2 additional assets which will have to be restored by the company,” said the Minister of the Environment, Benoit Charette, in a statement sent to The Press by his office.
“As we have said several times in recent months, rest assured that our teams will continue to ensure compliance with environmental laws and standards and that no compromise will be made,” he added.