Environmental assessment start date: April 7, 2001
Type: Screening
FEAI reference number: 27931
Proponent: NB Power
Location: Point Lepreau, New Brunswick

Latest Update

• January 13, 2004 - CNSC Announces Decision to Amend the Waste Facility Operating Licences for the Point Lepreau Solid Radioactive Waste Management Facility
• July 24, 2003 - CNSC Announces Decision on Renewal of New Brunswick Power Corporation's Operating Licence for the Point Lepreau Solid Radioactive Waste Management Facility
• July 17, 2003 - Notice - Public Hearings - September 25, 2003 and November 26, 2003
• April 17, 2003 - Request for Public Comment - Draft Environmental Assessment Screening Report - Comment Period Closed
• March 18, 2003 - Request for Public Comment - Draft Environmental Assessment Screening Report
• March 7, 2003 - Revised Notice - Public Hearing - April 10, 2003 and June 27, 2003
• January 29, 2003 - Notice - Public Hearings - April 10, 2003 and June 27, 2003
• June 24, 2002 - CNSC announces decision on Environmental Assessment Guidelines for modifications to the Point Lepreau Solid Radioactive Waste Management Facility
• March 19, 2002 - Notice - Public Hearings - May 22, 2002
• March 8, 2002 - Draft Environmental Assessment Guidelines: Comment Period Closed on March 8, 2002
• February 8, 2002 - Request for public comment on the draft environmental assessment guidelines
• February 8, 2002 - Draft Environmental Assessment Guidelines
• February 8, 2002 - Project Description (see below)

Project Description

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received notice from NB Power of its intent to apply for authorization for modification and construction of new structures at the Solid Radioactive Waste Management Facility (SRWMF) in Point Lepreau, New Brunswick.

Before the CNSC makes its decision on NB Power's application, an environmental assessment must be completed in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Because this project requires registration under the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulation of the New Brunswick Clean Environment Act, the federal and provincial environmental assessment processes are being carried out in a harmonized and co-operative manner.

The proposed modifications and construction of new structures are needed in order for NB Power to manage radioactive waste resulting from refurbishment activities being considered by NB Power for the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station (NGS). All construction activities would occur within the area of the Point Lepreau SRWMF currently licensed by the CNSC.

The purpose of the environmental assessment is to identify the possible environmental effects of the modification and construction of new structures at the Point Lepreau SRWMF, and to determine whether these effects can be mitigated before the project is allowed to proceed.

The Point Lepreau SRWMF project consists of the following elements:

• modification and construction of physical works within the Point Lepreau SRWMF;
• operation of the physical works, including receipt of refurbishment wastes;
• refurbishment activities which generate wastes requiring management in the SRWMF; and
• handling and transport of those wastes.

Further Information

For questions or information directly related to the environmental assessment on the Point Lepreau SRWMF project, please contact:

The CNSC maintains a public registry of documents related to its environmental assessments. Lists and copies of documents may be obtained upon request from:

Francois Leduc
Project Officer
Waste Facilities Section
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

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.