Last updated: June 26, 2020
Consult this page regularly to get important information on the impact that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may have on the activities of the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques (MELCC), its partners and clients.
Temporary exemption from obtaining prior ministerial authorization for certain activities
Companies
throughout
Québec have
temporarily
halted their
normal
operations
to undertake
a partial or
total
conversion
of their
production
in order to
meet demands
related to
the COVID-19
situation.
These
activities
are
identified
on the
Québec
government’s
website.
The
companies
will be able
to benefit
from a
temporary
exemption
from
obtaining
prior
ministerial
authorization.
Find out
more
Residual materials management essential services
Environmental Control in the context of COVID-19
The Centre de contrôle environnemental du Québec (CCEQ) of the MELCC must adjust its service delivery in order to be consistent with government guidelines pertaining to COVID-19.
Learn more
Extension of the deadline for submitting mandatory reports of certain emissions of contaminants into the atmosphere
Emitters subject to the Regulation respecting mandatory reporting of certain emissions of contaminants into the atmosphere will have until July 31, 2020, to submit their reports and verifications reports, when required (instead of June 1, 2020). More information.
Permits and certificates for the sale and use of pesticides
The exceptional situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting some steps leading to the issuance of certificates and permits: training, examinations, and the assessment of applications in the regions.
More information
Environmental authorizations: adjustments (COVID-19)
The processing of applications for ministerial environmental authorizations and declarations of compliance is being maintained by MELCC staff.
Learn more
2019 Water withdrawal declaration – New dates for filing and payment of charges
Given the context surrounding COVID-19, the Ministère wishes to advise the clients concerned that the date for filing the 2019 water withdrawal declarations has been postponed to July 15, 2020. Payment of the water use charges for 2019 is due on September 1, 2020. No interest or penalty will be imposed for 2019 charges.
Production and distribution of drinking water
These essential services must be maintained despite the pandemic. Consequently, those responsible for drinking water distribution systems must ensure the health and safety of the public through the following measures: maintaining water distribution, having competent personnel on hand, and monitoring the microbiological quality of the drinking water distributed.
Find out more
Wastewater treatment
Wastewater treatment is an essential service. Municipalities must therefore ensure that wastewater collection and treatment are maintained, competent personnel is on hand, and effluent quality is monitored.
Find out more
Impact of COVID-19 on air quality in Québec: preliminary results
Although air quality in Québec is generally good, confinement measures, which have resulted in a decrease in road transportation, are having a positive impact on air quality.
Find out more
Application to maintain an authorization and application for reimbursement of the financial contribution paid for adverse effects on a wetland or body of water
You can request that an authorization for work planned in a wetland or body of water be maintained if the work could not be started within two years following the authorization’s issuance or any other specified timeframe. Please fill out the following form:
Avis de cessation d'une activité ou demande de maintien
(French,
Word,
196 KB) (notice of cessation of an activity or request to maintain authorization).
You can also request reimbursement of part or all of the financial contribution you paid under the Environment Quality Act (46.0.5) if the work authorized in a wetland or body of water has not begun or if the area loss is less than what was anticipated. To make a request, please fill out the
financial compensation reimbursement form
(French,
Word,
150 KB).
Water quality of indoor swimming pools and spas (COVID-19)
The Government of Québec has authorized the reopening of public bathing areas. Reminder about the regulatory obligations for those responsible for indoor artificial pools.
Find out more