Environmental assessment start date: March 14, 2002
Type: Screening
FEAI reference number: 31931
Proponent: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
Location: Chalk River, Ontario

Latest Update

• May 21, 2002 - Project Description

Project Description

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received notice from Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) of their intent to proceed with the decommissioning of the Heavy Water Upgrading Plant (HWUP), located at the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) in Chalk River, Ontario.

The HWUP occupies Buildings 210 and 212 in the controlled area of the CRL site. The facility was designed to remove contaminants and upgrade the isotopic composition of heavy water using an electrolytic process. Cleaning and upgrading operations were terminated in August 1998, and the facility has been in a shut-down state since then. The proposed decommissioning would involve the dismantling and removal of storage tanks, process equipment and piping from the facility.

Before the CNSC makes its decision on AECL'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 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 Draft Screening Report
• Public consultation on Draft Screening Report
• Finalization of Screening Report and EA Decision

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 from:

For questions or information directly related to the environmental assessment on the proposed decommissioning of the Heavy Water Upgrading Plant in Chalk River, please contact:

Guy Riverin
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.