OTTAWA, September 14, 2005 – The Honourable Stéphane Dion, Minister of the Environment, has determined that a comprehensive study is the most appropriate level of environmental assessment for the proposed Alcan Spent Pot Lining (SPL) Project in Jonquière, Quebec.
The Minister based his decision on the conclusions and recommendations of a report submitted by the responsible authority, Industry Canada. The report contains information on the scope of the proposed Alcan SPL Project, the factors to be considered by the environmental assessment, public comments submitted to the authority, the potential of the project to cause adverse environmental effects and the ability of the comprehensive study to address issues relating to the project. A copy of the report can be consulted on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, reference number 05-03-9911.
Industry Canada will now continue the environmental assessment of the project by means of a comprehensive study as prescribed by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Once the study process is complete, Industry Canada will submit its final report to the Minister of the Environment. At that time, the public will have an opportunity to comment on the findings and recommendations of the report before the Minister issues an environmental assessment decision statement.
The proponent, Alcan Primary Metal Group, has developed a chemical process known as "Low Concentration Caustic Leaching and Liming," which converts SPL (a by-product of aluminum production) into non-hazardous waste and recyclable materials. Alcan has sought funding from the responsible authority to support the construction and operation of a pilot plant for this process in Jonquière, Quebec. The plant would have a capacity of 80,000 t/a, and would process SPL from Alcan's stockpiles in Quebec, as well as from sources around the world.
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The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address those effects, in support of sustainable development.
For more information on this project and others in your area, please consult the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry.
Media may contact:
Robert Deslauriers
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: (613) 957-0396
Fax: (613) 948-1354
robert.deslauriers@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
For more information about the environmental assessment process, please contact:
Sean LeRoy
Project Analyst
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: (613) 957-0596
Fax: (613) 957-0941
sean.leroy@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
