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8/9/2022
Canada's Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra yesterday announced details of a new public consultation on hydrology and measures to mitigate the potential impacts of the Lac-Megantic rail bypass project in Quebec.
Also, Alghabra announced the negotiation period between Public Services and Procurement Canada and the owners is extended until Nov. 4.
The public consultation will be held Aug. 29 to Sept. 30. During that period, citizens will be able to read the hydrological expert reports, as well as learn the mitigation measures and planned follow-ups. They will also be able to submit questions and comments in writing to Transport Canada.
Information sessions for citizens will be held Sept. 13, 14 and 16 in Lac-Megantic.
The 8-mile bypass is being built in response to the July 2013 Lac-Megantic rail disaster, when an unattended crude-oil train, which had been parked in Nantes at the top of a slope, rolled down the hill before derailing at a high rate of speed in Lac-Megantic. The derailment led to an explosion and fire that killed 47 people and destroyed Lac-Megantic's downtown.
"It is crucial to me, for a matter as important as this, that we take the time to do it right," said Alghabra in a press release. "Our government is committed to carrying out this project as soon as possible, but we want to do it properly and in a way that respects the community. It is necessary to be responsive to their needs."