McInnis Cement announced an agreement was reached with Centre Québécois du Droit de l’Environnement (CQDE) in regards to the proceedings filed last August against the Environment Minister, aimed at invalidating McInnis Cement’s authorization certificate for the cement plant project in Port-Daniel-Gascons, Quebec. The CQDE has withdrawn from this legal action, instead agreeing to alternative measures with McInnis Cement, which includes forming an environmental subcommittee.
The committee will address the following:
- The monitoring of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the cement plant and McInnis Cement’s efforts to reduce GHG.
- The monitoring of McInnis Cement’s performance in complying with NESHAP standards with regards to the emission of contaminants.
- The monitoring of McInnis Cement’s compliance with the protocol agreed to with Fisheries and Oceans Canada concerning the protection of marine mammals.
In addition to the CQDE, the Conseil Régional de l’Environnement de la Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Nature-Québec have been invited to the mediation process, as well as the Ministère du Développement Durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte aux Changements Climatiques. The work of this enlarged forum will ensure a long-term dialogue around the future cement plant and is part of McInnis Cement’s sustainable development values.
“The mediation process that McInnis has committed to will make larger environmental gains than what could be hoped for from a legal judgment at this late stage of the project,” said Michel Belanger, a lawyer for the environmentalists.
Christian Gagnon, CEO of McInnis Cement, stated, “McInnis Cement is aware of its carbon footprint and is committed to gradually reduce its GHG. In this context, we choose the path of dialogue, opting for a mediation with environmental groups about this global issue.”
