Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency

News Release

Environment Minister Announces Decision on the Decommissioning of the Pyrocel Plant

Hull, April 24, 2002 - Environment Minister David Anderson today announced his decision regarding the environmental assessment of the decommissioning of the former Pyrocel plant in Louiseville, Quebec. The Minister has determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects and that further environmental assessment by a review panel or mediation is not warranted. The project has been referred back to the responsible authority, Public Works and Government Services Canada, for appropriate action.

The decommissioning activities include demolition of the building, disposal of the debris, excavation and disposal of contaminated soil and restoration of the site. The site is contaminated with lead, sulphur and phenol compounds. Upon completion of the decommissioning, Public Works and Government Services Canada will manage the property in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and policies, including the Treasury Board policy with respect to the management of federal real property.

Minister Anderson made his determination based on the following considerations:

• the comprehensive study report;
• the comments received on that report during the public consultation period; and
• the implementation of mitigation measures described in the report and supporting documents.

The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency administers the federal environmental assessment process, which identifies the environmental effects of proposed projects and measures to address them.

For more information:

Robert Deslauriers
Senior Communications Advisor
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
Tel: (819) 953-9407
Fax: (819) 953-2891
E-mail: robert.deslauriers@ceaa-acee.gc.ca