CNSC Announces Decision on Environmental Assessment Guidelines for the Proposed Blending of Slightly Enriched Uranium and Blended Dysprosium Uranium at the Conversion Facility, Cameco Corporation

04-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2004

Following a public hearing held on November 27, 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 proposal to blend Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) and Blended Dysprosium Uranium (BDU) at its Port Hope Conversion Facility located in Port Hope, Ontario. The environmental assessment is required, and will be conducted, under the provisions of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.

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

In accordance with the approved Environmental Assessment Guidelines (EA Guidelines), CNSC staff will prepare an Environmental Assessment Screening Report (Screening Report) for the Commission’s consideration at a future public hearing.The Screening Report will include the results of technical studies and public consultations to be completed by Cameco Corporation, and will reflect the input of the public and expert reviewers at the CNSC and other government departments.

In approving the EA guidelines, the Commission decided that the Screening Report will include, in addition to an assessment of the direct and cumulative effects of the proposed blending facility, an assessment of the generic incremental environmental effects that could result from transporting uranium products to and from the Port Hope area, and from the fabrication of nuclear fuel and its use in nuclear power reactors.

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 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 are also 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