Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Ontario
Proposed construction and operation of a new dry storage system for used fuel and non-fuel waste
Environmental assessment Start date: June 11, 2007
Type: Screening
CEAR reference number: 07-01-31052
Proponent: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL)
Location: Chalk River, Ontario
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Project Description
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received an application from Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) for the construction and operation of a New Dry Storage System (NDSS) for Used Fuel and Non-Fuel Waste at a new Waste Management Area (WMA). The proposed NDSS would require an amendment to AECL’s Nuclear Research and Test Establishment Operating Licence pursuant to section 24(2) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA).
The proposed NDSS would be built in a new WMA. The NDSS would provide dry above-ground storage for future solid radioactive waste which requires shielding for handling and storage. The radioactive waste to be stored in the NDSS falls into two broad categories: used fuel from research and isotope production reactors, and non-fuel waste.
The project will consist of the construction of the NDSS and the operation of the facility. The construction phase will include: site preparation and excavation; modification/construction of on-site roads and structures, and construction of facilities. The operational activities will include: waste operations (arrival, packaging, drying, and transfer of waste). Maintenance and monitoring activities are included in both the construction and operations phases, as required.
Before the Commission makes its decision on this proposal, a screening environmental assessment must be completed in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The purpose of an environmental assessment is to identify the possible environmental effects of a proposed project, and to 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:
Alison Dourado
Environmental Officer
Environmental Assessment Division
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P. O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5S9
Telephone: 1-800-668-5284
Fax: 613-995-5086
Email: ceaainfo@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
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.
