Quebec grants a second authorization to Northvolt for the construction of the factory | The battery industry

The Quebec Ministry of the Environment announced Wednesday that it has granted the Northvolt company a second authorization which will allow it to begin “the first stages of building construction” for its components and batteries factory.

This authorization also allows this company to carry out the establishment and [à] the extension of rainwater management systems.

Quebec issued a first authorization on January 9 for site preparatory work.

The Ministry of the Environment indicated in its press release that it ensured implementing appropriate mitigation measuresin particular the prevention of contamination of soil, surface water and runoff.

Furthermore, the ministry stressed that other authorizations will be necessary throughout the construction process of the company’s buildings.

Thus, on April 11, Northvolt submitted a project notice for the construction of its Revolt battery recycling plant, because it is subject to the procedure for evaluating and examining environmental impacts.

The ministry emphasized thata public information period, during which any person can submit a request for public consultation on the project, is provided for by the procedure.

Finally, the ministry recalls that it will ensure environmental control throughout the process.

A well-calibrated authorizationsaid Charette

Questioned at the end of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, the Minister of the Environment, Benoit Charrette, said he considered that the authorization granted to Northvolt was well calibrated for the protection of wetlands Or of the most vulnerable species.

Concerning the discontent that the project aroused, Mr. Charrette argued that it we must put the discontent into perspective.

I believe that the vast majority of the population supports the project. Moreover, it is a great project, both from an economic and environmental point of view.he assured, adding that It’s a company that works well together..

Mr. Charrette indicated that the company had submitted an authorization request for this phase on December 22 to emphasize that the study of the file took a few months.

If the project had gone through a BAPE, month “,”text”:”it would have taken 18 months “}}”>it would have taken 18 months moreover and the process could have compromised the projectaffirmed the minister, reiterating thatthere is no preferential treatment.