Chalk River: Environmental Assessments

The CNSC oversees Environmental Assessments (EAs) to ensure that proposed projects are safe for Canadians and the environment. EAs have been conducted for the following industries and proposed projects in the Chalk River region:

Assessments Transitioning to the NSCA

On July 6, the new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 came into effect, changing the requirements for low-risk environmental assessments (EAs). As a result, the EA underway on this project is no longer required under the former CEA Act. However, potential environmental impacts and mitigation measures for the project will continue to be considered under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act as part of the CNSC’s licensing review to ensure there is no unreasonable risk to the environment or human health and safety. It is important to note that this project will also still be subject to other relevant federal and provincial laws, regulations and standards.

Completed Assessments

Decommissioning of a plutonium tower at Chalk River Laboratories

Decommissioning of the fuel storage and handling bays at Chalk River Laboratories

Transfer and storage of radioactive liquid waste

Decommissioning of heavy water upgrading plant at Chalk River Laboratories

Decommissioning of a pool test reactor at Chalk River Laboratories

Proposed construction and operation of a shielded modular above-ground storage project at Chalk River Laboratories

Proposal for the continued operation of the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor at Chalk River Laboratories

Proposed construction and operation of a fuel packaging and storage facility at Chalk River Laboratories