Bécancour Fertilizer Plant Construction Project - Public Comments Invited

OTTAWA, Feb. 11, 2013 /CNW/ - As part of the strengthened and modernized Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) put in place to support the government's Responsible Resource Development Initiative, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency must decide whether a federal environmental assessment is required for the proposed Bécancour Fertilizer Plant Construction Project located in Quebec. To assist it in making its decision, the Agency is seeking comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment.

IFFCO Canada Enterprise Limited proposes the construction and operation of a fertilizer production plant, in the form of urea, with a production capacity of 3850 metric tons per day. The industrial complex would be located in the industrial park and port facility of Bécancour, in Quebec.  In the event of the closure of the fertilizer production plant, the industrial facilities would be dismantled, and the site would be characterized and decontaminated as needed.

This is a revised project description. The Agency decided to initiate a new screening after being informed of a change to the project (construction of the plant would be on Lot 6 and not Lots 3 and 4 in the industrial park and port facility of Bécancour).

Written comments must be submitted by March 4, 2013 to:

Bécancour Fertilizer Plant Construction Project
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
901-1550, d'Estimauville Avenue
Quebec, QC G1J 0C1
Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
[email protected]

To view a summary of the project description or for more information on the project and on the environmental assessment process, visit the Agency's website at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca (registry reference number 80033). All comments received will be considered public.

The Agency will post a decision on its website stating whether a federal environmental assessment is required.

If it is determined that a federal environmental assessment is required, the public will have three more opportunities to comment on this project, consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012.

Projects subject to CEAA 2012 are assessed using a science-based approach.  If the project is permitted to proceed to the next phase, this project will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and increased fines.

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.

SOURCE: Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Céline Legault
Communications Advisor
Tel.: [phone]