Dow Jones articleBennett Environmental: Co. Doesn't Plan To Leave Belledune
13:38 EST Monday, Nov 24, 2003
OAKVILLE, Ont. (Dow Jones)--Bennett Environmental Inc. (BEL) denied media reports that it intends to abandon its thermal oxidizer project in Belledune, N.B. and expand its facility in Saint Ambroise, Que.
In a news release, Bennett's chief executive and founder, John Bennett, said he was "surprised" by the reports.
Mr. Bennett told Dow Jones that the press release referred to reports published by Canadian Press and the Toronto Star.
Canadian Press published a story on Sunday that said the company might move the controversial Belledune contaminated soil treatment project to another location if the New Brunswick government orders a full environmental impact assessment.
The Canadian Press article cited Bennett vice-president and chief operating officer Danny Ponn as saying the company could consider another location, or could expand the St. Ambroise incinerator if the Belledune project faces significant delays.
In the company's Monday news release, Mr. Bennett said, "We have no reason to leave New Brunswick. Our project has been subjected to intense scrutiny already through an Environmental Impact Assessment and what is being described as a full EIA by protest groups would yield no additional information."
He also noted that the company couldn't just change its mind and expand in Quebec. "If we want to expand the Saint Ambroise facility, we will have to go through the Ministry of the Environment and conduct whatever studies it requires under the province's regulations as we did in the past and we would be prepared to do that in the future."
A story published in the Toronto Star newspaper on Saturday reported that some Belledune residents are concerned about pollution and the environmental impact of the Bennett plant, but noted that the plant has the support of some citizens, including Mayor Joey Noel.
In September, the company said it expects the Belledune incinerator to be up and running by mid-2004. Although the project has received provincial approval, it has faced opposition from environmental groups.
Bennett provides high temperature treatment services for the remediation of contaminated soil.
Company Web Site: https://www.bennettenv.com
-Stephanie Thomas, Dow Jones Newswires; 416-306-2100