OTTAWA, June 29, 2006 - The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment and Minister responsible for the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, today announced that the proposed Alcan Spent Pot Lining Project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. The Minister has consequently referred the project back to the responsible authority, Industry Canada, for appropriate action.
The Minister based her environmental assessment decision on the following information:
the comprehensive study report, including conclusions and recommendations, submitted by the responsible authority;
public comments received during a 24-day consultation period, and Industry Canada’s response to the comments;
the implementation of mitigation measures and a follow-up program.
A copy of the Minister’s environmental assessment decision statement can be found on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry using reference number 05-03-9911.
The proponent, Alcan Primary Metal Group, has developed a chemical process known as “Low Concentration Caustic Leaching and Liming,” which converts spent pot lining, 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. The plant would be able to process up to 80,000 tonnes per year of spent pot lining. The material will come from the Alcan’s stockpiles in Québec, as well as from sources around the world.
Alcan’s proposed project was the subject of a provincial environmental assessment by the Québec “Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement,” which concluded that the project would have a marginal impact on the environment.
- 30 -
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.
Media may contact:
Robert Deslauriers
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: 613-957-0396
For more information about the environmental assessment process, please contact:
Jacques Laurin
Project Analyst
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel.: 613-957-0752
jacques.laurin@ceaa-acee.gc.ca
