The air quality is improving in eastern Montreal: A balance sheet that continues to improve for over 30 years now

EASTERN MONTREAL, Oct. 1, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Contrary to what is claimed by both the Quebec Association against air pollution (AQLPA) and Greenpeace, who oppose the project for the reversal of Line 9B, the quality of the air has greatly improved in eastern Montreal.

According to the latest assessment of the environmental air quality monitoring network of the city of Montreal (RSQA), the presence of pollutants in eastern Montreal is at its lowest level since the establishment of the RSQA's #3 measuring station, which was 12 years ago. According to André Brunelle, president of the Industrial Association for the East of Montreal (AEIM), "the reversal of Line 9B will not change this trend. Our organization shares the concerns of Quebecers for the protection of the environment. Moreover, thanks to technology and a common desire to do a better job of protecting the environment, our members have reduced their emissions and work closely with the Environment Department of the City of Montreal to prevent atmospheric pollution." In fact, since the founding of the AEIM, industrial discharges have significantly decreased.

On the risk of rupture due to corrosion, "several studies, including one conducted by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, showed that this hypothesis was not proven, and that safety was not compromised by the nature of the oil transported through the Enbridge pipeline," said Brunelle.

The reversal of the line 9B is a major project for the east of Montreal. Recent studies confirm that almost 4,000 jobs in Quebec depend on the petrochemical and refining industries. Crude oil in western Canada provides greater energy supply safety for Quebecers, and has the advantage of being cheaper than the oil that comes from abroad and that currently supplies all Quebec refining and petrochemicals industries. The latter would be more competitive. "There is no doubt for us that the proposed reversal of Line 9 will consolidate manufacturing in eastern Montreal and will generate benefits for the petrochemical industry as well as for Quebec," said Mr. Brunelle.

About the AIEM

Established in 1960, with an emphasis on protecting the environment, the AIEM now focuses on the harmonization of industrial activities with its urban environment. Its mandate is to offer members a forum for concerted actions, as well as services and advice tailored to their needs for continuous improvement in a continuously evolving urban setting. Its scope of action and priorities are directly related to: sustainable development, risk management of major industrial accidents and collaborations with public services as well as the local community.

SOURCE: Association Industrielle de l'Est de Montréal (AIEM)

For further information:

Dimitri Tsingakis
General Manager
Association Industrielle de l'Est de Montréal (AIEM)
Tel. : [phone]
[e-mail]