CNSC Announces Decision on Environmental Assessment Guidelines for the Proposed Production Increase at Cameco’s Uranium Refinery in Blind River, Ontario

06-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 13, 2006

Following a hearing held on January 12, 2006, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its approval of guidelines for an environmental assessment of a proposal to increase the production capacity at Cameco Corporation’s uranium refinery in Blind River, Ontario.

The environmental assessment is required pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. 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 hearing. The EA Guidelines set out the technical studies and public consultations that will be completed by Cameco Corporation under the direction of the CNSC and with the input of other expert government departments.

The Commission decided that it will not, at this time, refer the project to the federal Minister of the Environment for referral to a mediator or review panel. Furthermore, at this time, the Commission is satisfied that the Commission’s consideration of the completed Screening Report will not require a public hearing of the Commission.

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 consideration of the related licence application.

A Record of Proceedings including 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 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:
Pascale Bourassa
Commission Secretariat
(613) 947-0247
1-800-668-5284