Report - Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale

Introduction
encompasses biophysical, social, economic and cultural aspects, for current and
future generations. This concept of the environment is broad and it includes the
effects of human activities on the environment, life, health, safety, well-being, and
comfort of the population, as well as other matters of interest to the communities. The
sixteen principles of sustainable development set forth in Quebec’s Sustainable
Development Act (Loi sur le développement durable, R.S.Q., c. D-8.1.1), which must
guide government actions, guided the commission.
In addition, the Panel reviewed the project in accordance with the requirements of the
Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and the Environment Quality Act, as
stipulated in the Agreement. Therefore, it assessed the environmental effects of the
project and their significance, including those caused by accidents and malfunctions,
and the cumulative environmental effects that the project could cause, when
combined with the effects from other works, projects or activities, taking into account
measures to mitigate these effects. Project justification, the feasible alternatives, and
the need for a follow-up program were part of the review, as well as the capacity of
renewable resources to meet current and future needs. The Panel also studied the
question of public security, taking into consideration the concerns of the surrounding
population, and paid particular attention to project insertion in the natural and human
environments.
The Panel conducted its analysis of the project using the information contained in the
file assembled by the joint environmental assessment committee. This committee,
created in accordance with Section 10 of the Agreement, has the responsibility to
manage environmental assessment and ensure that all relevant and necessary
information needed to meet the requirements of the Canadian Environmental
Assessment Act and the Québec Environment Quality Act is obtained and taken into
consideration. The Panel also based its review on information and documentation
tabled during public hearings and from its own research.
In its work, the Panel defined four major issues related to the project: risks linked to
project activities and facilities, project energetic timeliness for Quebec and Ontario,
potential project impacts on the natural environment as well as impacts on the
landscape.
In its report, the Panel provides findings, opinions, and recommendations. A finding
refers to a fact. For certain findings, the Panel takes notice of certain facts or
measures. This means that the Panel is satisfied with these measures and that there
is no reason to pursue the analysis any further. An opinion refers to a Panel’s view,
whereas a recommendation refers to an action that the Panel recommends either to
the proponent or to the responsible government authorities.
Rabaska Project – Implementation of an LNG Terminal and Related Infrastructure 5