McInnis Cement has issued a press release stating that it is pleased with the agreement that was reached with Centre Québécois du Droit de l’Environnement (CQDE) in regards to the proceedings filed last August against the Environment Minister. The CQDE has withdrawn from this legal action, instead agreeing to alternative measures with McInnis Cement. The two parties will create an environmental subcommittee and pursue their discussions in a mediation process that will address three issues:
1. The monitoring of greenhouse gases (GHG) from the cement plant and McInnis Cement’s efforts to reduce GHG.
2. The monitoring of McInnis Cement’s performance in complying with NESHAP standards with regards to the emission of contaminants.
3. The monitoring of McInnis Cement’s compliance with the protocol agreed to with Fisheries and Oceans Canada concerning the protection of marine mammals.
In addition to the CQDE, the Conseil régional de l’Environnement de la Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Nature-Québec have been invited to the mediation process, as well as the Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte aux Changements climatiques. The work of this enlarged forum will ensure a long-term dialogue around the future cement plant and is part of McInnis Cement’s sustainable development values.
“McInnis Cement is aware of its carbon footprint and is committed to gradually reduce its GHG. In this context, we choose the path of dialogue, opting for a mediation with environmental groups about this global issue,” said Christian Gagnon, CEO of McInnis Cement.
Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui