Report - Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale

Ms. Line Beauchamp
Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks
Marie-Guyart Building, 30 th floor
675, René-Lévesque Boulevard East
Quebec, QC G1R 5V7
Édifice Lomer-Gouin
575, rue Saint-Amable, bureau 2.10
Québec (Québec) G1R 6A6
Téléphone : 418 643-7447
(sans frais) : 1 800 463-4732
Télécopieur : 418 643-9474
communication@bape.gouv.qc.ca
www.bape.gouv.qc.ca
Quebec City, May 30, 2007
Dear Minister Beauchamp:
I am pleased to submit to you the report of the Bureau d’audiences publiques sur
l’environnement entitled Rabaska Project – Implementation of an LNG Terminal and
Related Infrastructure. The mandate to hold an inquiry and public hearings regarding the
project began December 4, 2006 and was chaired by Mr. Qussaï Samak, assisted by
Mr. Jean Paré.
From the standpoint of energy, the Panel found that the project is in line with the directions set
by Quebec’s energy strategy. The Panel concluded that in the areas of economic and industrial
activity the project’s added contribution to natural gas supply would have a positive impact on
Quebec’s energy security as well as in terms of a relative price advantage. The Panel also
noted the project’s favourable regional economic impact in terms of spin-offs and its structuring
potential at the regional level.
In regard to security, on the basis of its own findings and opinions regarding emergency
measures planning, the Panel concluded that the risk assessment for the project is in conformity
with established practices in the field, and that the risks associated with the project seem
therefore acceptable.
In regard to the project’s territorial integration, the Panel concludes that the port and onshore
facilities would alter the landscape quality of the Beaumont shore. In its report, the
Panel proposes certain measures to enhance the project’s potential economic
advantages.
Yours sincerely,
William J. Cosgrove
President