Sulphur Trioxide Cloud

The class action alleged that on August 9, 2004, Zinc électrolytique du Canada ltée installations in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield released sulfur trioxide into the air, causing troubles and inconveniences for the thousands of persons who were on the path of that release. Class members experienced diverse transient symptoms, including breathing difficulties, coughs, asthma attack, and irritation of the eyes, throat, respiratory tract and skin.

Status

Parties have reached a settlement agreement in May 2020, which was then approved by the Superior Court. Pursuant to this agreement, Electrolytic Zinc paid $1.6 million in final settlement of the dispute.

The claim period is now over and compensations have been paid by cheque to those members who submitted an eligible claim.

As a remedial measure, two woodlots have been acquired and protected by the Centre d’intendance écologique Latreille (CIEL), as approved by the Court. One of these lots is located in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and the other is in Godmanchester. Nearly 85 hectares are now protected by perpetual conservation easements thanks to the class action. Steps are under way to have these lots designated as “nature reserves” under the Natural Heritage Conservation Act.