New legal action against Northvolt
Posted February 12, 2024 12:21 pm.
Last Updated February 12, 2024 12:22 pm.
The Quebec Environmental Law Center (CQDE) filed an initial application for judicial review before the Superior Court on Friday to stop the construction of the $7-billion Northvolt electric car battery plant, according to a report by Radio-Canada.
This is a second attempt for CQDE, after failing at securing an injunction to stop tree cutting and wetland backfilling in January.
Lawyers represent two residents from McMasterville and Saint-Basile-le-Grand who hope that this time, a more in-depth analysis will get their case approved.
According to the plaintiffs, the Environment Minister made an unreasonable decision with an analysis that presented shortcomings.
They argue the fact that Charette gave his approval without knowing the details of Northvolt’s plan to compensate for the destruction of wetlands.
The Swedish company has 36 months to submit its official plan in writing about conserving an natural environment area of 30 to 50 hectares, outside the project site.
This is in addition to the $4.7 million in financial compensation that the company paid to the government for the loss of 13 hectares of wetlands.
The first hearing will be held on March 15.
