The Quebec Port Authority acknowledges the decision issued today by the Canadian Impact Assessment Agency regarding the application for designation of the proposed container terminal project in the Beauport area, led by QSL (this link will open in a new window).
Following its analysis, the Agency confirms that the Quebec Port Authority is the competent authority responsible for overseeing the environmental assessment in accordance with the provisions of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act. In this regard, the Impact Assessment and Mitigation Process (PEAI) will determine the extent of the environmental impacts and, consequently, whether the project can proceed and under what specific conditions.
Over the coming weeks, the Quebec Port Authority will specify the parameters of this process, including the timeline and the procedures for public and stakeholder participation. The Port Authority intends to make information available in a clear and accessible manner throughout the process, particularly on the website jeparticipe.portquebec.ca
As with the 16 other Canadian port authorities established under the Canada Marine Act, the Québec Port Authority acts as a federal authority under the Environmental Impact Assessment Act. In this capacity, it is responsible for ensuring that projects carried out within its jurisdiction do not result in significant adverse environmental effects.
To achieve this, the Environmental Impact Assessment Plan (PEAI) provides for an environmental impact assessment by an independent firm retained by the project proponent, as well as an independent review by a second external firm selected by the Port Authority.
A Project Still Pending Review
The Quebec Port Authority notes that this decision does not constitute approval of the project. Once the project is officially submitted by the developer, it must go through all the steps outlined in the PEAI before a decision can be made.
As provided for in the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, a project may proceed only if it is demonstrated that it is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
(Image by QSL of the terminal project)