In conjunction with our Environment Policy, AECL’s Board of Directors requires the preparation of an annual environmental plan. The 2005/2006 Environmental Plan includes strategic environmental objectives, targets, and performance indicators for the continual improvement of environmental performance at AECL sites in Canada, along with key actions or programs to be carried out in order to achieve the objectives and targets.
 
AECL’s strategic environmental objectives for the operation of its sites in Canada are to:

• prevent AECL activities from causing environmental degradation;
• demonstrate environmentally responsible management;
• demonstrate environmental compliance; and
• demonstrate continual improvement in environmental performance.

Key thrusts in our 2005/2006 Environmental Plan are:

• Continued implementation and improvement of AECL’s Environmental Protection Program.
• Responding to changing external requirements under the new Nuclear Safety Control Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
• Controlling and demonstrating emissions of radioactive substances to be as low as reasonably achievable and non-radioactive substances to be below regulatory limits, and continually striving for further improvement in our environmental performance.
• Optimizing quantities and minimizing hazards of waste generated on AECL sites, and providing safe and effective treatment, and safe and secure long-term storage of radiological wastes generated on sites or received from customers.
• Maintaining the corporation’s historical facilities and waste management areas in a safe manner.

A number of important environmental projects are helping to ensure that AECL’s activities and facilities do not negatively impact the environment.