Ministerial Designation - Deep-Water Multipurpose Wharf Project

OTTAWA, July 31, 2015 /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 (the Agency) will be conducting a federal environmental assessment of the proposed Port of Quebec Deep-Water Multipurpose Wharf Project (the Project).

The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, at the request of the Quebec Port Authority, has determined that an environmental assessment of the proposed Project is warranted in consideration of the potential for adverse environmental effects as defined in section 5 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, it will continue to be subject to Canada's strong environmental laws, rigorous enforcement and follow-up, and fines for non-compliance.

Quick Facts

• The Quebec Port Authority is proposing the extension of the existing wharf line by 610 metres in order to add two 16-metre deep-water berths at its Beauport Sector bulk shipment facilities. The Project includes creation of 17.5 hectares of new land at the back of the wharf for handling facilities, laying a railway track and rebuilding a segment of the Henry-Bourassa Boulevard on the Port Authority's property. It would also consolidate and redevelop the Beauport Bay beach to protect it from erosion.
• The public will have three opportunities to comment on this project, consistent with the transparency and public engagement elements of CEAA 2012.
• 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.

Associated Links

• Basics of Environmental Assessment (Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency)
• Responsible Resource Development (Canada's Economic Action Plan)

SOURCE Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

For further information: Ted Laking, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of the Environment, 819-997-1441; Maja Graham, Communications Advisor, Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency, 613-960-1519, [email protected]; Follow us on Twitter: @CEAA_ACEE