CNSC Announces Decision on Environmental Assessment Guidelines for the Proposed Construction of a Uranium Mining Facility at the Cigar Lake Project

03-21

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29, 2003

Following a public hearing on June 25, 2003, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) today announced its approval of the Environmental Assessment Guidelines (Scope of Project and Assessment) that will be used to direct a screening environmental assessment of Cameco Corporation’s proposed construction of the Cigar Lake uranium mining facility near Wollaston Lake in northern Saskatchewan. The proposed mine would be located on the site of the existing licensed test mine.

The Commission is satisfied at this time that the project does not warrant a request to the federal Minister of the Environment for referral to a review panel or mediator.

Cameco Corporation notified the CNSC of its intent to apply for authorization to construct and operate the Cigar Lake Mining Facility. Under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, CNSC staff will complete a screening environmental assessment of the project and present a Screening Report at a public hearing of the Commission at a later date. If the Commission concludes from the Screening Report that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, taking into account the appropriate mitigation measures, the Commission may proceed with a public hearing and decision on the licence application.

During the public hearing on the draft Environmental Assessment Guidelines, the Commission considered written submissions and oral presentations from CNSC staff, Cameco Corporation and from intervenors.

A Record of Proceedings, including the Reasons for Decision and transcripts of the hearing are available on the CNSC web-site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca, or by contacting the CNSC. The Environmental Assessment Guidelines will also be available through the CNSC web-site.

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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Contact:

Sunni Locatelli
Commission Secretariat
(613) 995-0360
1-800-668-5284