MONTREAL -- McInnis Cement has agreed to hold mediated discussions with environmental groups that have been opposing a $1-billion plant that the company wants to build in the Gaspé region at Port-Daniel-Gascons.
The company said it has agreed to create a committee that would address long-term monitoring of the plant's emissions of greenhouse gases and other contaminants and protections for marine animals.
McInnis Cement was formed by members of the family that founded Bombardier Inc. and its spinoff, Ski-Doo maker BRP Inc.
It has received support for the proposed plant from successive Parti Quebecois and Liberal provincial governements as well as the Caisse de depot pension fund manager.
However two non-profit groups and established cement producer Lafarge Canada have asked the Quebec Superior Court to quash the Quebec government's authorization of the project without an environmental assessment hearing.
McInnis Cement said Monday that the two environmental groups have agreed to withdraw from the legal action and to take part in mediated talks involving the company, special interest groups and the provincial sustainable development minister.
