Four years after the sludge discharge asbestos tailings in East Broughton, the Quebec government refuses to pay for the clean-up of $ 2.7 million, which displeases citizens who may suffer substantial tax increase.
In April 2010, a major mudslide caused major damage in East Broughton, near Thetford Mines.
At the dawn of 2015, or East Broughton nor the MRC des Appalaches do not want to pay the bill, which almost equals the annual budget, which is $ 3 million in this municipality of about 2300 inhabitants.
“We are beginning to be unhappy because it’s been three governments that pass along. Nothing gets done, “says the mayor of East Broughton, Kaven Mathieu.
The elected asking the government to support the costs of repairing the asbestos mine closed since 1958.
“I have no power, as a municipality, to tell site owners to restore their mines,” said Mayor Matthew.
As the stream passing through a tunnel was blocked, the MRC des Appalaches has awarded a contract to unlock the gallery. Today, the merits of the work is questioned.
In order to mop up the bill, citizens could pay almost $ 300 pendantplusieurs years. An increase of 10% taxes is expected. In East Broughton, the average tax bill is about $ 1,300 and the average rating is 97 000.
not intend to pay
Considered insolvent, land of the owners of the old mine does not intend to pay.
“We have a meeting in August with 300 people frustrated people came out against the government and the owners, “says the mayor.
A citizens’ committee recently met Laurent Lessard, MNA for Frontenac and Minister of Forestry, Wildlife and Parks. Contacted by The Journal, it would not comment.
The Minister of Municipal Affairs Pierre Moreau and Natural Resources Minister Pierre Arcand also singled out in this case.
Legal Notice
“The government can not do anything because of legal opinions. We understand that it can not help us. We are very disappointed. They will not do anything without a declaration, “said Jordan Roy. A
The disused mining issues affecting several other municipalities elsewhere in Quebec.
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