Environmental Assessment
Proposed Decommissioning of
Atomic Energy Canada Limited's Whiteshell Laboratories
Environmental assessment start date: June 2, 1999
Type: Comprehensive study
FEAI reference number:
18737
Proponent: Atomic Energy Canada Limited
Location: Pinawa, Manitoba
Latest Update
Project Description
In 1997, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) decided to discontinue research programs and operations at the Whiteshell Laboratories near Pinawa, Manitoba. AECL is currently seeking a licence from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to decommission the facility. The CNSC determined that an environmental assessment is required before a CNSC licence application can proceed.
In November 1999, the CNSC issued a scope of project and assessment document on the environmental assessment for comment. The final version of this document, published on December 22, 1999, was used to direct the environmental assessment studies. The environmental assessment was submitted to the Minister of the Environment and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency in December 2001 for public review and decision under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
On April 2, 2002, the Minister of the Environment referred the project back to the responsible authorities, including the CNSC. The Minister recommended that the CNSC, jointly with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, ensure that all mitigation measures and recommendations described in the environmental assessment are implemented. The CNSC will ensure this occurs, should regulatory approval be given for the decommissioning of the facility.
With this decision, the CNSC will continue its licensing assessment related to the AECL proposal. A formal licence application from AECL is anticipated shortly. When this occurs, the CNSC would undertake a detailed review of the application and submit recommendations to the Commission on the licensing of this decommissioning project.
The Whiteshell Laboratories continue to be maintained by AECL under an existing CNSC operating licence.
Further Information
The CNSC maintains a public registry of documents related to its environmental assessments. Lists and copies of documents may be obtained upon request.
For questions or information related to the environmental assessment on the Whiteshell Facility, please contact:
Larry Chamney
Environmental Assessment Specialist
Processing Facilities and Technical Support Division
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5S9
Phone : 1-800-668-5284
Fax : (613) 995-5086
E-mail : ceaainfo@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
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.
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