Respect for the environment is a value inherent to the mission of the Montreal Port Authority (MPA). It rises above and beyond the MPA's obligation to conform to various laws and by-laws. To better reflect this course in all of its activities, the MPA has outlined its commitments in an environmental policy.

With this in mind, three professionals in the environment department oversee the policy's application and foster compliance among all MPA personnel and port users. These individuals, who benefit from advanced academic qualifications and many years of environment-related work experience, also put into play their expertise in the areas of wildlife management, chemical engineering and geology.

The MPA is determined to ensure that its activities and those of port users are increasingly ecologically sound. It strives to integrate environmental protection into the planning of its projects. It implements the measures necessary to ensure the safety of its operations and minimize their impact on the environment.

The MPA encourages shipping lines to use vessels, equipment and practices that promote the protection and preservation of their most precious link, the St. Lawrence River. That said, there is no more economical and ecologically-sound mode of transport than maritime.

The Montreal Port Authority and all other Canada Port Authorities are subject to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, additional federal laws and environmental compliance regulations. Its tenants are also required to undergo environmental compliance reviews for their handling activities.

The port authority has its own emergency response plan to handle any incident that may constitute a risk to the public, or to the natural environment. Permanent staff includes a team of seven technicians certified in fire and disaster prevention. Security teams constantly patrol the port, which is also under electronic surveillance.

The MPA recognizes that living next to a port implies certain inconveniences, such as noise caused by cargo transshipment operations and the comings and goings of trains and trucks. Although the irritants cannot all be eliminated, the port authority does its utmost to harmonize its operations with its urban environment.

For the community at large, the presence of a port entails many more benefits than disadvantages.

Marine transport remains the most economical and ecologically-sound mode of transport.

THE MPA'S PRIMARY COMMITMENTS:

TO CONFORM to the environmental legislation and by-laws applicable to its facilities.

TO OPERATE its facilities and conduct its activities in such a manner as to protect the environment and prevent and minimize risks.

TO INSPECT the condition of its land and ensure the environmental conformity of port activities.

TO RESPECT the principles of sustainable development in the operation of its facilities and activities.

TO COMMUNICATE the environmental policy to its employees, clients and the public.