Environmental assessment start date: December 14, 2002
Type: Screening
FEAI reference number: 35879
Proponent: Ontario Power Generation
Location: Bruce Nuclear Power Development (BNPD) Site, Tiverton, Ontario

Latest update

• October 2, 2003 - Environmental Assessment Decision by a Designated Officer - Having considered the screening report and comments filed from the public, the Designated Officer accepted that the project, taking into account the mitigation measures, will not cause significant adverse environmental effects and that public concerns do not warrant a reference to a mediator or review panel. The Designated Officer then rendered his decision in accordance with section 20(1)(a) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and directed CNSC staff to proceed with the licensing process related to the project.
• September 19, 2003 - Request for Public Comment - Comment period closed
• August 18, 2003 - Request for Public Comment - Environmental Screening Report
• February 4, 2003 - Project description (see below)

Project description

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received notice from Ontario Power Generation (OPG) of its intent to apply for a licence amendment in order to proceed with the construction and operation of a Transportation Package Maintenance Building (TPMB) at OPG's Western Waste Management Facility (WWMF) located on the Bruce Nuclear Power Development (BNPD) site in Tiverton, Ontario.

The purpose of the maintenance building is to facilitate the maintenance and decontamination of OPG's radioactive material transportation packages.

Radioactive material transportation packages are currently maintained and decontaminated at the Transportation Package Maintenance Area within the Central Maintenance Facility, located at the BNPD site. The facility is leased to and operated by Bruce Power. However, this facility will not be available for use by OPG after the Spring of 2004, as Bruce Power will no longer lease the facility. OPG proposes to construct and operate the maintenance building within the Western Waste Management Facility as a replacement for the existing maintenance facilities. Space for a control and mechanical equipment maintenance shop to service the Western Waste Management Facility will be co-located with the maintenance building. The proposed maintenance building would be located entirely within the boundaries of the Western Waste Management Facility.

Before the CNSC can make a decision on OPG's licence amendment 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.

Steps ahead

• Development of EA Guidelines (Scope Document)
• Review of EA Study Report
• Preparation of Screening Report
• Public consultation on Screening Report
• EA Decision by Designated Officer

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 the environmental assessment on the proposed construction of a Transportation Package Maintenance Building at the Bruce Nuclear Power Development site, please contact:

Guy Riverin
Environmental Assessment Specialist
Processing Facilities and Technical 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.