Activists use 'embedded mats' to stop Northwold work

An anonymous group has called for a new move aimed at stopping work on the destruction of wetlands and logging at the Northwold site. The company confirms that “abusive” actions were taken.

“To stop the filling of wetlands at the Northwold site and protect the few remaining woodlands, numerous embedded mats were buried in forests and roads to puncture vehicle tires and machinery,” the group wrote in an anonymous press release sent out Tuesday morning. In January, an anonymous group claimed responsibility for an act of “vandalism” at the site.

The group of activists adds that “steel rods and nails were randomly inserted into the forest” to “arm them against the forest destroyers”. This type of act of damaging logging equipment is already being used by environmentalists in Canada and elsewhere in the United States to stop logging.

In its press release titled “Direct action against Northvolt”, the group argues that the government rejected a planned residential project on the same site last year, citing the consequences for biodiversity. He recalled that the company negotiated with the government before registering with the Quebec Registry of Lobbyists, and that the project was able to escape the environmental assessment process normally offered to large industrial projects.

“Childhood”

Northwold confirmed the activists' actions on Tuesday morning. “During the night hours from Sunday to Monday, individuals trespassed into the Northwold grounds and carried out vandalism by concealing nailhead carpets. We are investigating whether nails were inserted into the trees. These are serious and dangerous activities for employees on site. We strongly condemn them,” the written statement argued.

“Northwold would like to point out that it has obtained all necessary approvals to carry out the work currently underway. Rigorous studies and analysis have been carried out and stringent conditions have been met to obtain these clearances,” the statement added.

A survey commissioned by Northwold found that residents of the region where the mega-factory will be built believe it is a “good project,” but the industrial complex raises environmental issues that should be subject to an assessment test, including an experiment. Office of Public Inquiry into the Environment (BAPE).

67% of the 500 respondents expressed their agreement with such environmental assessment. This rate rises to 70% among respondents between the ages of 18 and 54, as well as among residents of the cities of McMasterville and Saint-Basile-le-Grand, the largest industrial projects in Quebec in recent decades.

“If they respect the rules, it doesn't matter whether BAPE is there or not,” the Minister of Economy, Innovation and Energy maintained last week. , Pierre Fitzgibbon.

A regulatory change implemented last year by the Legault government means the company continues to go through “requests for ministerial approval” for different stages of the project. Despite the request for access to information, it is impossible Duty To find out the details of the request that is currently being studied by the Quebec Ministry of the Environment to build the plant. The document was heavily revised as a result.

The company plans to clear more than 60,000 square meters² Wetlands in the coming days to prepare the site of the first building of its factory, the Minister's approval to start this construction is yet to be obtained.

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