CNSC announces decision on environmental assessment guidelines for the Iter facility

2002-02-08

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2002

Following a public meeting on March 1, 2002, 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 the proposed Iter Facility. In making its decision, the Commission required that specific modifications be made to a draft of the Environmental Assessment Guidelines presented to it.

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 referral to the Minister of the Environment for his referral to a mediator or a review panel.

The CNSC received notice from the Iter International Fusion Energy Institute of its intent to apply for a licence to site and construct the Iter Facility. The Iter Facility, proposed to be located in Clarington, Ontario, is a large prototype research facility aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of fusion energy. Draft Environmental Assessment Guidelines were made available for public comment by CNSC staff in September 2001. The Commission will hold a public hearing on the results of the environmental assessment screening report and the licence application at a later date.

During the public meeting, the Commission considered written submissions from the public. Minutes of the Meeting, and transcripts are available on the CNSC web-site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca or by contacting the CNSC at 1-800-668-5284. The final 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