Environmental Assessment
Ontario Power Generation - Proposal to construct and operate a Deep Geologic
Repository for disposal of low and intermediate radioactive wastes
Environmental assessment start date: January 30, 2006
Type:
Comprehensive
CEAR reference number:
06-03-17520
Proponent: Ontario Power Generation
Location: Bruce Nuclear Site, Tiverton, Ontario
Latest Update
Project Description
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received a letter of intent
from Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to apply for regulatory approval to prepare,
construct and operate a deep geologic disposal facility on the Bruce Nuclear
Site within the municipality of Kincardine, Ontario.
A Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) has been proposed for the disposal of low-
and intermediate-level radioactive wastes currently stored on the Bruce Site.
The DGR will also hold waste produced from the continued operation of OPG-owned
nuclear generating stations at Bruce, Pickering and Darlington, Ontario.
Low level waste consists of industrial items that have become contaminated
with low levels of radioactivity during routine clean-up and maintenance at
nuclear generating stations. This can include mops, rags, floor sweepings,
clothing and tools. Low level waste may be safely handled by workers using
normal industrial practices and equipment without any special radiation
protection.
Intermediate level wastes are radioactive to a level where shielding is
required to protect workers during handling. These wastes typically include ion
exchange resins, filters and irradiated core components.
The DGR project includes the site preparation, construction, operation, and
long-term performance of above-ground and below-ground facilities, which are
expected to be located within the boundaries of the Bruce Site. Operations would
involve those activities required to operate and maintain the DGR facility,
remove wastes from the Western Waste Management Facility (WWMF) on the Bruce
Site, receive wastes from the WWMF and nuclear generating stations, emplacement
of the wastes into the repository, including the closure activities and
monitoring of the repository.
Under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), OPG will require licences
from the CNSC for activities to be undertaken with respect to the DGR project.
Before the Commission can make licensing decisions for this proposal, a
Comprehensive Study Environmental Assessment (EA) of the proposal must be
conducted in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA).
The purpose of an environmental assessment is to identify the possible
environmental effects of a proposed project, and determine whether these effects
can be mitigated before the project is allowed to proceed.
Steps Ahead:
- Development of EA Guidelines (Scoping Document)
- Report to Minister of the Environment regarding Scope of Project and other
factors
If directed by the Minister of the Environment to continue as a Comprehensive
Study:
- Completion of Comprehensive Study
- Preparation of Comprehensive Study Report
- Public consultation on Comprehensive Study Report
- Submission of the Comprehensive Study Report to the Minister of the
Environment
Further Information:
For questions or information directly related to the environmental assessment
on the OPG-proposed Deep Geologic Repository project on the Bruce Nuclear Site,
please contact:
Michael Rinker
Environmental Assessment Specialist
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
The CNSC maintains a public registry of documents related to its
environmental assessments. Lists and copies of documents may be obtained upon
request from:
Don Howard
Project Officer
Wastes and Decommissioning 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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