(Montreal) The Rouyn-Noranda municipal council unanimously adopted a resolution on Monday evening asking that “the activities of the Horne smelter aim to achieve the environmental standards in force for all heavy metals and fine particles released in the air “.
Posted at 2:07 p.m.
This resolution, formulated for the attention of the Government of Quebec, is in addition to that of June 13, which called in particular for an interdepartmental action plan centered on the health of the citizens of Rouyn-Noranda.
The Horne Foundry, which processes copper concentrates from around the world in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, has been at the heart of debates because of its arsenic emissions.
The company, owned by the multinational Glencore, currently releases up to 100 nanograms of arsenic into the air per cubic meter, or 33 times more than the Quebec standard, which is 3 ng/m³.
It is located near residential areas of Rouyn-Noranda.
Last Thursday, Quebec appointed Hélène Proteau as State administrator in charge of coordinating government action in the case of the Horne Foundry in Rouyn-Noranda.
This appointment follows a request from the city council on July 21.
“We welcomed this appointment very favorably. Mme Proteau has been in the file since the beginning and we have confidence in her,” said Mayor Diane Dallaire during the council meeting.
The city council also requested on Monday evening that the next ministerial authorization issued to Glencore by the Ministry of the Environment provide for daily emission ceilings.
“Intermediate targets to ensure a continuous reduction in emissions into the air, water and soil, […] the installation of additional measurement stations to ensure that data representative of all metal emissions on the territory are obtained” are also part of the requests made by Mayor Dallaire.
Consequences for Glencore are also required in the event of non-compliance with the measures.
At the invitation of Mères au front, several citizens, including parents with their children, were present at the municipal council meeting to reiterate their fears about air quality.
“I am very worried about my family and the population of Rouyn-Noranda. […] When I see the impact it has on the health of children, I feel guilty like mom for making this happen to my children, by choosing to live in Rouyn-Noranda, ”testified, throat tight, Myriam Tasset , a social worker and mother of four who has lived in Rouyn-Noranda for 18 years.
Several citizens took turns at the microphone during the question period to express their anxiety and their hesitation to continue living in Rouyn-Noranda. Some have said they fear that essential professionals, particularly in health, will leave the municipality.
On Wednesday, the national director of public health, Dr Luc Boileau will provide an update on environmental health in Rouyn-Noranda. The National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) will also make a technical presentation on the subject.