CNSC Announces Decision on Environmental Assessment Guidelines for the Proposed Pickering Waste Management Facility Phase II

03-12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 8, 2003

Following a public hearing on April 10, 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 Ontario Power Generation’s proposed Pickering Waste Management Facility Phase II. The proposed facility is for the purpose of storing used nuclear fuel in dry storage containers and would be located within the general site of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, Pickering, Ontario.

The environmental assessment is being conducted in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. 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 mediator or a review panel.

Draft Environmental Assessment Guidelines were made available for public comment in October 2002. The Commission will hold public hearings on the results of the environmental assessment and the licence application at a later date.

During the public hearing on the draft Environmental Assessment Guidelines, the Commission considered written submissions and oral presentations from CNSC staff and from Ontario Power Generation as an intervenor. There were no other 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