Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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

On March 23, 2020, the Québec government ordered the closure of all non-priority commercial enterprises and services until May 4, 2020. A list of priority services and activities, which include waste collection and residual materials management, has been posted online. Find out more 

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

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.

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

The processing of applications for ministerial environmental authorizations and declarations of compliance is being maintained by MELCC staff. Learn more

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.

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 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

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

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).

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