Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) Between Environment Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission – Risk Management Process for Radionuclides as assessed under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999

Environment Canada has determined that uranium and uranium compounds contained in effluent from uranium mines and mills are toxic as defined in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) operates under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) and has the mandate to ensure that the operation of nuclear facilities, such as uranium mines and mills, does not pose unreasonable risks to the environment. It has been determined that it is possible to prevent or control the amount of uranium and uranium compounds released to the environment from uranium mines and mills under the NSCA.

An Annex to the Memorandum of Understanding between the CNSC and Environment Canada has been signed concerning the process for risk management of uranium released to the environment from uranium mining and milling facilities. The CNSC will develop preventative or control measures under the NSCA with the support of Environment Canada.

For more information on this MOU, please visit Environment Canada’s Web site at http://www.ec.gc.ca/TOXICS/EN/detail.cfm?par_substanceID=65&par_actn=s1

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.