Environmental Assessment
Decommissioning of a pool test reactor (PTR) at the
Chalk River Laboratories
Environmental assessment start date: September 13, 2004
Type: Screening
CEAR reference number:
04-01-6315
Proponent: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL)
Location: Chalk River, Ontario
Latest update:
Project Description
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received an application
from AECL for authorization to decommission a pool test reactor (PTR) located at
the Chalk River Laboratories. This authorization would require an amendment to
AECL’s operating licence pursuant to section 24 of the Nuclear Safety and
Control Act (NSCA). The reactor is a Class IA nuclear facility under the Class I
Nuclear Facilities Regulations.
The PTR was a low-power research reactor (less than 100 W) designed and built
to conduct reactivity studies. It began operating in 1957 and was permanently
shut-down in 1990. Decommissioning activities to be carried out include the
removal of remaining PTR systems, draining and drying of pool and segregation
and transfer of all wastes for storage or disposal.
Before the Commission makes its decision on AECL’s application, an
environmental assessment must be completed in compliance with the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act. The purpose of an environmental assessment is to
identify the possible environmental effects of a proposed project, and to
determine whether these effects can be mitigated before the project is allowed
to proceed.
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 directly related to this environmental
assessment, please contact:
Kiza Francis
Environmental Assessment Officer
Environmental Assessment and Protection 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
For more information on the environmental assessment process, please refer to
the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency web site at
www.ceaa-acee.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.
|
