Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Ontario
Proposal to construct and operate a deep geologic repository for disposal of low and intermediate-level radioactive wastes
Start date: January 30, 2006
Type: Review panel (external link)
CEAR reference number: 06-05-17520 (external link)
Proponent: Ontario Power Generation
Location: Bruce Nuclear Site, Municipality of Kincardine (Tiverton), Ontario
Project Description
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) received a letter of intent from Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to apply for regulatory approval to prepare, construct and operate a deep geologic disposal facility on the Bruce Nuclear Site within the municipality of Kincardine, Ontario.
A Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) has been proposed for the disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes currently stored on the Bruce Site. The DGR will also hold waste produced from the continued operation of OPG-owned nuclear generating stations at Bruce, Pickering and Darlington, Ontario.
Low level waste consists of industrial items that have become contaminated with low levels of radioactivity during routine clean-up and maintenance at nuclear generating stations. This can include mops, rags, floor sweepings, clothing and tools. Low level waste may be safely handled by workers using normal industrial practices and equipment without any special radiation protection.
Intermediate level wastes are radioactive to a level where shielding is required to protect workers during handling. These wastes typically include ion exchange resins, filters and irradiated core components.
The DGR project includes the site preparation, construction, operation, and long-term performance of above-ground and below-ground facilities, which are expected to be located within the boundaries of the Bruce Site. Operations would involve those activities required to operate and maintain the DGR facility, remove wastes from the Western Waste Management Facility (WWMF) on the Bruce Site, receive wastes from the WWMF and nuclear generating stations, emplacement of the wastes into the repository, including the closure activities and monitoring of the repository.
Under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), OPG will require licences from CNSC for activities to be undertaken with respect to the DGR project. Before the Commission can make licensing decisions for this proposal, a Comprehensive Study Environmental Assessment (EA) of the proposal must be conducted in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). The purpose of an environmental assessment is to identify the possible environmental effects of a proposed project, and determine whether these effects can be mitigated before the project is allowed to proceed.
Further Information:
CNSC maintains a public registry of documents related to its Environmental Assessments. Lists and copies of documents may be obtained upon request. For questions or information directly related to this environmental assessment, please contact:
Kiza Francis
Environmental Assessment Specialist
Environmental Assessment and Protection Division
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5S9
Phone : 1-800-668-5284
Fax : 613-995-5086
Email EA@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
Kay Klassen
Project Officer
Wastes and Decommissioning Division
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5S9
Phone : 1-800-668-5284
Fax : 613-995-5086
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.
