Report - Agence canadienne d'évaluation environnementale

Mr. William J. Cosgrove
President
Bureau d’audiences publiques sur l’environnement
Lomer-Gouin Building
575, Saint-Amable Street, Suite 2.10
Quebec, QC G1R 6A6
Dear Mr. Cosgrove:
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, May 28, 2007
I am pleased to submit to you the report of the Joint Review Panel on the Rabaska Project
– Implementation of an LNG Terminal and Related Infrastructure. Having completed its
mandate, the Panel is pleased to note that the project is in line with Quebec’s energy
strategy. The project also conforms to the government’s position and policies that, over
the years, have recognized the importance of strengthening Quebec’s natural gas supply
and diversifying sources of supply. The Panel is of the view that the added supply of gas
from the project could lead to a relative reduction in the price of natural gas on the
Quebec market.
On other matters, the Panel concludes that there are two major project-related issues that
arise: the risks associated with the project; and the integration of port and on-shore
facilities into the area under development. These are two considerations that have a major
influence on the project’s social acceptability within the community.
The Panel is of the opinion that the risk assessment conforms to current recognized
practices in the field. The assessment’s conclusions are also in keeping with the known
historical background of procedures for liquefied natural gas security. On the basis of its
own findings and opinions on emergency measures planning, the Panel judges the risk
associated with the project to be acceptable.
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