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                        Considered a champion of industrial pollution until 1994, the  Bas-Richelieu region has taken things in hand. Thus, a billion-dollar  investment for the recycling of used waters was carried out. In 1995, QIT  (Quebec Iron and Titanium) was the recipient of an environmental merit award  from the ministère de l’Environnement du Québec for the quality of its water  treatment system.  
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                        A sizeable industrial  sector is close to an urban sector, as well as a farming sector, an  international caliber Seaway, and an almost pristine natural environment. 
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                        The town of Sorel-Tracy has set up industrial  parks providing all necessary conveniences and amenities in order to attract  new businesses to the region. 
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                        A single Hydro-Québec thermal generating station is located on the south shore of  the Saint Lawrence River. It is powered with heavy oil, and is in operation for  six months a year. The use of a lighter oil, containing less sulfur and  therefore less polluting, is under study to make the station operational all  year long. 
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