6/9/2005
Preparation for a new environmental impact assessment already begun
9 June 2005 -- The Supreme Court of Iceland recently confirmed the District Court in Reykjavik's nullification of the ruling of the Minister for the Environment, in April 2003, upholding the Planning Agency's determination that Alcoa Fjardaál's aluminium smelter did not require a new environmental impact assessment.
Regarding this, Alcoa Fjardaál wishes to present the following information.
Ever since preparations for the operation of Alcoa Fjardaál's aluminium smelter in Reydarfjordur began in 2002, the company has strived for close collaboration with the government and institutions in Iceland, with the goal of ensuring the normal and legal conduct of all construction. Alcoa Fjardaál has heavily emphasised the collection and dissemination to the government of detailed information about the planned environmental impact of the aluminium smelter since protection of the environment is one of the company's top priorities.
The Supreme Court's decision entails carrying out a new environmental impact assessment of the Alcoa Fjardaál aluminium smelter. The preparations for an environmental impact assessment have already begun under the auspices of the company although it was not possible to carry out the assessment while the matter was before the courts. Alcoa Fjardaál will work closely with the Planning Agency to ensure that the construction will be carried out normally and legally.
Given the comprehensive scope of the EIA completed for the originally proposed Reydaral smelter on the site and the Comparative Study completed for the smaller Alcoa Fjardaal smelter now under construction we wouldn't expect that the new Environmental Impact Assessment will lead to different conclusions related to environmental impacts from Fjardaál.
Even though the Supreme Court's decision came as a surprise and caused disappointment, Alcoa Fjardaál emphasises working entirely in accordance with laws and regulations, according to government decisions and court holdings. Dispelling uncertainty about the lawfulness of the construction is more important to the company than anyone else.
Detailed information about the environmental impact of the Alcoa Fjardaál aluminium smelter, confirmed by experts, was available when the Planning Agency made its decision. The company therefore does not expect a new environmental impact assessment to delay the construction in East Iceland.
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Alcoa's Commitment to the Environment in Icleand -- a statement by Alcoa Fjardaál
Read a February 2005 statement from Alcoa Fjardaál comparing the environmental aspects of the original project and the Alcoa version.
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Environmental Impact Documents
Download the EIA for the original (larger) project, an environmental impact comparison report of the two projects prepared by Alcoa, and the Environmental Operating Permit.
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Public support for the project
Read the latest opinion polls
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