Quebec Port Authority to Oversee Environmental Assessment of Beauport Terminal

The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada confirmed that the Quebec Port Authority is the competent entity to oversee the environmental assessment corresponding to the container terminal project in the Beauport sector.

In the coming weeks, the Quebec Port Authority will specify the parameters of this process, including the timeline and procedures for public and stakeholder participation.

In this regard, the Impact Assessment and Mitigation Process (Peai) will determine the scope of environmental impacts and, consequently, the project's feasibility and the specific conditions that will be attributed to it.

Like the other 16 Canadian port authorities established under the Canada Marine Act, the Quebec Port Authority acts as a federal authority under the Impact Assessment Act. Therefore, it is responsible for ensuring that projects carried out within its territory do not cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To achieve this, the Peai provides for an assessment of environmental effects by an independent company designated by the proponent, as well as an independent review by a second external company selected by the Port Authority.

The Quebec Port Authority reiterated that this decision does not constitute project authorization. Once the proponent, QSL, officially submits the project, all steps outlined in the Peai must be followed before a decision can be made.

The entity stated that it will continue its discussions with stakeholders and will keep informing and involving the public throughout the various stages of the matter.