Sarah Rennie – LJI reporter
The Commission de protection du territoire agricole du Québec (CPTAQ) has reversed its preliminary orientation concerning the installation of an asphalt plant in the Carrières Ducharme quarry on Covey Hill in Havelock.
The initial assessment issued last September suggested the commission would allow the installation of the factory for a period of five years, with conditions. Following this, a request for the CPTAQ to reassess its orientation was submitted, and at least 33 individuals, groups, and organizations presented their observations either in writing or in person during a virtual meeting on May 18.
Among those presenting their opposition to Groupe Chenail Inc.’s application to install the factory was the Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie, which argued that the region’s water resources could be affected, and that discharge from the plant could impact CanadaGAP certification for agricultural producers.
The non-profit conservation organization Ambioterra further outlined the potential impacts of asphalt production on Covey Hill, citing the potential for fires, as well as groundwater contamination and air pollution. The organization also noted the risk to neighbouring maple syrup producers and market gardeners who could see their products contaminated by emissions from the plant.
The municipality of Havelock and the MRC du Haut-Saint-Laurent, as well as several agricultural producers and concerned citizens, also presented their observations. Most argued that an asphalt plant was contrary to agricultural development, agritourism, and the homogeneity of the farming community, and that the precautionary principle should be applied in this case.
Those arguing in favour of the factory pointed out that such a facility would need authorization from the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), and must comply with emission standards for particulate matter in the atmosphere. Representatives for Groupe Chenail Inc. insisted the project will not impact the region and its agricultural activities any more than the existing quarry.
A notice of modification issued on July 5 concedes that the commission did not have all the facts that were subsequently brought to its attention when the preliminary orientation was drafted. The notice, which is signed by CPTAQ vice presidents Hélène Lupien and Gilles P. Bonneau, further states that “The representations heard during the meeting have led the commission to modify its assessment, and consequently to refuse the request.”
Citing article 12 and Section 62 of the Act respecting the preservation of agricultural land and agricultural activities, which allows for the consideration of regional characteristics in the preservation and promotion of agricultural enterprises and activities, the commission asserts that the addition of an asphalt factory would be detrimental to such practices.
The commission points out that “Authorization could lead to a loss of visitors and a reduction in production in a regional context where agricultural properties have had to adapt to the environment, and where farmers have managed to do well by developing local agriculture and agritourism.”
The notice also highlights consequences to the homogeneity of the farming community, as the factory would lead to increased traffic on Covey Hill Road.
A ten-day period for those interested in presenting new observations relating to the modified orientation expired on July 15, and the case has now been suspended to allow the CPTAQ to review any new facts brought forward before rendering a final decision.