Independent Environmental Monitoring Program: Pickering Nuclear Power Generating Site

Site name Pickering Nuclear Generating Site
Licensee Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
Facility names Pickering Nuclear Generating Station and Pickering Waste Management Facility.
Facility location On the north shore of Lake Ontario, in Pickering, Ontario.
Land acknowledgement The CNSC acknowledges that the Pickering Nuclear Generating Site is located within the traditional territory of the Wendat, Anishinabek Nation, and the territory covered by the Williams Treaties First Nations.
Facility description OPG operates 2 542-megawatt (MW) and 4 540-MW CANDU reactors, and a waste management facility.
Environmental Protection Requirements In accordance with regulatory requirements under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, all licensees must maintain a comprehensive environmental protection program to monitor and control nuclear and hazardous substances released from the facilities they own and operate. As part of every licensee’s environmental protection program, concentrations of contaminants in the environment must be determined and the potential exposure routes to the public must be assessed.

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IEMP results from 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2021 are consistent with the results submitted by OPG, supporting our assessment that the licensee’s environmental protection program is effective. The results add to the body of evidence that people and the environment in the vicinity of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Site are protected and that there are no anticipated health impacts from the operation of the facilities on the site.

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[ ] Guideline/Reference Level

Pickering Nuclear Power Generating Site

Sample Type Sample Description Parameter 2014 2015 2017 2021 Guideline/
Reference Level		 Expected Health Impact (Yes/No) Sample Code
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 4.73 Bq/kg dry weight 2.62 Bq/kg dry weight 2.57 Bq/kg dry weight 5.6 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PP01-S01
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.94 Bq/kg dry weight <1.09 Bq/kg dry weight <1.03 Bq/kg dry weight <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PP01-S01
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium 61.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 178.7 Bq/kg fresh weight 63.1 Bq/kg fresh weight 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP01-V01
Vegetation Mixed grass Organically Bound Tritium 8.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 12.2 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP01-V01
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A <2.7 Bq/kg fresh weight <3 Bq/kg fresh weight <2.3 Bq/kg fresh weight 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP01-V01
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A <3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight <3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight <2.7 Bq/kg fresh weight 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP01-V01
Water Lake (surface) pH N/A N/A 8.1 8.4 6.5 - 9.0 No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Tritium 19 Bq/L 24.3 Bq/L 14.8 Bq/L 15.5 Bq/L 7,000 Bq/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Gross Alpha N/A <0.04 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L <0.08 Bq/L 0.5 Bq/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Gross Beta 0.15 Bq/L <0.08 Bq/L 0.15 Bq/L 0.12 Bq/L 1 Bq/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L 10 Bq/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Copper N/A N/A 1.23 µg/L N/A 2 - 4 µg/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Zinc N/A N/A 0.84 µg/L 1.18 µg/L 30 µg/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Aluminum N/A N/A 5.29 µg/L 1.75 µg/L 100 µg/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Iron N/A N/A 3.74 µg/L 0.64 µg/L 300 µg/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Cadmium N/A N/A <0.08 µg/L <0.03 µg/L 0.09 µg/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Cobalt-60 <0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L <0.27 Bq/L 12.1 Bq/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Total Dissolved Solids N/A N/A 179 mg/L 184 mg/L 500 mg/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Ammonia N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L <0.24 mg/L 0.3 mg/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Temperature N/A N/A N/A 21 °C N/A No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Hydrazine N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L <0.2 µg/L 2.6 µg/L No PP02-W01
Water Lake (surface) Morpholine N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L N/A 0.004 mg/L No PP02-W01
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 3.42 Bq/kg dry weight 3.84 Bq/kg dry weight 2.93 Bq/kg dry weight 4 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PP03-S02
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.94 Bq/kg dry weight <1.09 Bq/kg dry weight <1.03 Bq/kg dry weight <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PP03-S02
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium 30.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 17.2 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP03-V02
Vegetation Mixed grass Organically Bound Tritium <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 1.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP03-V02
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A <2.7 Bq/kg fresh weight <3 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP03-V02
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A <3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight <3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP03-V02
Air Ambient (Iodine) Iodine-131 N/A <0.000047 Bq/m³ <0.00063 Bq/m³ N/A 0.228 Bq/m³ No PP04-A01
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cesium-137 <0.0005 Bq/m³ <0.000065 Bq/m³ <0.000051 Bq/m³ <0.000053 Bq/m³ 2.56 Bq/m³ No PP04-A01
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cobalt-60 N/A <0.000072 Bq/m³ <0.000065 Bq/m³ <0.000071 Bq/m³ 0.832 Bq/m³ No PP04-A01
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritium <2 Bq/m³ <2 Bq/m³ <1.9 Bq/m³ <2 Bq/m³ 340 Bq/m³ No PP04-A01
Air Ambient (Tritium) Elemental Tritium <2 Bq/m³ <2 Bq/m³ <1.9 Bq/m³ N/A 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No PP04-A01
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 2.66 Bq/kg dry weight 1.26 Bq/kg dry weight 2.22 Bq/kg dry weight 1.6 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PP04-S03
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.94 Bq/kg dry weight <1.09 Bq/kg dry weight <1.03 Bq/kg dry weight <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PP04-S03
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium 17.6 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 50.6 Bq/kg fresh weight 24.6 Bq/kg fresh weight 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP04-V03
Vegetation Mixed grass Organically Bound Tritium 6.6 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 6.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP04-V03
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A <2.7 Bq/kg fresh weight <3 Bq/kg fresh weight <2.3 Bq/kg fresh weight 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP04-V03
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A <3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight <3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight <2.7 Bq/kg fresh weight 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP04-V03
Sand 0-5 cm Cesium-137 <0.81 Bq/kg dry weight 0.39 Bq/kg dry weight <0.55 Bq/kg dry weight 0.5 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PP05-SA01
Sand 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.94 Bq/kg dry weight <0.59 Bq/kg dry weight <0.54 Bq/kg dry weight <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PP05-SA01
Water Lake (surface) pH N/A N/A 8.1 8.6 6.5 - 9.0 No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Tritium 17 Bq/L 21.7 Bq/L 30.4 Bq/L 9 Bq/L 7,000 Bq/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Gross Alpha N/A <0.04 Bq/L 0.17 Bq/L <0.08 Bq/L 0.5 Bq/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Gross Beta <0.12 Bq/L <0.08 Bq/L 0.23 Bq/L <0.09 Bq/L 1 Bq/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L 10 Bq/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Copper N/A N/A 2.38 µg/L N/A 2 - 4 µg/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Zinc N/A N/A 1.5 µg/L <0.79 µg/L 30 µg/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Aluminum N/A N/A 3.15 µg/L 1.36 µg/L 100 µg/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Iron N/A N/A 7.1 µg/L 0.71 µg/L 300 µg/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Cadmium N/A N/A <0.08 µg/L <0.03 µg/L 0.09 µg/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Cobalt-60 <0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L <0.27 Bq/L 12.1 Bq/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Total Dissolved Solids N/A N/A 203 mg/L 182 mg/L 500 mg/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Ammonia N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L <0.24 mg/L 0.3 mg/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Temperature N/A N/A N/A 20.9 °C N/A No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Hydrazine N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L <0.2 µg/L 2.6 µg/L No PP05-W02
Water Lake (surface) Morpholine N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L N/A 0.004 mg/L No PP05-W02
Air Ambient (Iodine) Iodine-131 N/A <0.000047 Bq/m³ <0.00063 Bq/m³ N/A 0.228 Bq/m³ No PP06-A02
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cesium-137 <0.0005 Bq/m³ <0.000065 Bq/m³ <0.000051 Bq/m³ <0.000053 Bq/m³ 2.56 Bq/m³ No PP06-A02
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cobalt-60 N/A <0.000072 Bq/m³ <0.000065 Bq/m³ <0.000071 Bq/m³ 0.832 Bq/m³ No PP06-A02
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritium <2 Bq/m³ <2 Bq/m³ <1.9 Bq/m³ 7.5 Bq/m³ 340 Bq/m³ No PP06-A02
Air Ambient (Tritium) Elemental Tritium <2 Bq/m³ <2 Bq/m³ <1.9 Bq/m³ N/A 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No PP06-A02
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 3.52 Bq/kg dry weight 3.05 Bq/kg dry weight 2.07 Bq/kg dry weight 1.2 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PP06-S04
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.94 Bq/kg dry weight <1.09 Bq/kg dry weight <1.03 Bq/kg dry weight <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PP06-S04
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium 118.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 91.4 Bq/kg fresh weight 56.2 Bq/kg fresh weight 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP06-V04
Vegetation Mixed grass Organically Bound Tritium 17.6 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 15.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP06-V04
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A <2.7 Bq/kg fresh weight <3 Bq/kg fresh weight <2.3 Bq/kg fresh weight 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP06-V04
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A <3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight <3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight <2.7 Bq/kg fresh weight 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP06-V04
Air Ambient (Iodine) Iodine-131 N/A <0.000047 Bq/m³ <0.00063 Bq/m³ N/A 0.228 Bq/m³ No PP07-A03
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cesium-137 <0.0005 Bq/m³ <0.000065 Bq/m³ <0.000051 Bq/m³ <0.000053 Bq/m³ 2.56 Bq/m³ No PP07-A03
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cobalt-60 N/A <0.000072 Bq/m³ <0.000065 Bq/m³ <0.000071 Bq/m³ 0.832 Bq/m³ No PP07-A03
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritium <2 Bq/m³ <2 Bq/m³ 4.9 Bq/m³ <2 Bq/m³ 340 Bq/m³ No PP07-A03
Air Ambient (Tritium) Elemental Tritium <2 Bq/m³ <2 Bq/m³ <1.9 Bq/m³ N/A 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No PP07-A03
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 2.29 Bq/kg dry weight 5.93 Bq/kg dry weight 2.29 Bq/kg dry weight 1.9 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PP07-S05
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.94 Bq/kg dry weight <1.09 Bq/kg dry weight <1.03 Bq/kg dry weight <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PP07-S05
Sand 0-5 cm Cesium-137 <0.81 Bq/kg dry weight 0.25 Bq/kg dry weight <0.55 Bq/kg dry weight 0.5 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PP07-SA02
Sand 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.94 Bq/kg dry weight <0.59 Bq/kg dry weight <0.54 Bq/kg dry weight <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PP07-SA02
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium 73.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 520.4 Bq/kg fresh weight 45.1 Bq/kg fresh weight 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP07-V05
Vegetation Mixed grass Organically Bound Tritium 8.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 13.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP07-V05
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A <2.7 Bq/kg fresh weight <3 Bq/kg fresh weight <2.3 Bq/kg fresh weight 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP07-V05
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A <3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight <3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight <2.7 Bq/kg fresh weight 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP07-V05
Water Lake (surface) pH N/A N/A 7.9 8.3 6.5 - 9.0 No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Tritium 14 Bq/L 6.6 Bq/L 5.5 Bq/L 5.7 Bq/L 7,000 Bq/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Gross Alpha N/A <0.04 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L <0.08 Bq/L 0.5 Bq/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Gross Beta <0.12 Bq/L <0.08 Bq/L 0.23 Bq/L <0.09 Bq/L 1 Bq/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L 10 Bq/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Copper N/A N/A 0.99 µg/L N/A 2 - 4 µg/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Zinc N/A N/A 1.65 µg/L <0.79 µg/L 30 µg/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Aluminum N/A N/A 2.21 µg/L 1.9 µg/L 100 µg/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Iron N/A N/A 1.75 µg/L 3.46 µg/L 300 µg/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Cadmium N/A N/A <0.08 µg/L <0.03 µg/L 0.09 µg/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Cobalt-60 <0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L <0.27 Bq/L 12.1 Bq/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Total Dissolved Solids N/A N/A 212 mg/L 224 mg/L 500 mg/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Ammonia N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L <0.24 mg/L 0.3 mg/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Temperature N/A N/A N/A 21.3 °C N/A No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Hydrazine N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L <0.2 µg/L 2.6 µg/L No PP07-W03
Water Lake (surface) Morpholine N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L N/A 0.004 mg/L No PP07-W03
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 2.32 Bq/kg dry weight 2.88 Bq/kg dry weight 2.1 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PP09-S07
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.94 Bq/kg dry weight <1.09 Bq/kg dry weight <1.03 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PP09-S07
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium 10.2 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 54.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP09-V07
Vegetation Mixed grass Organically Bound Tritium 5.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 4.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP09-V07
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A <2.7 Bq/kg fresh weight <3 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP09-V07
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A <3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight <3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP09-V07
Water Lake (surface) pH N/A N/A 8 8.5 6.5 - 9.0 No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Tritium 40 Bq/L 6.9 Bq/L 3.5 Bq/L 10 Bq/L 7,000 Bq/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Gross Alpha N/A <0.04 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L <0.08 Bq/L 0.5 Bq/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Gross Beta <0.12 Bq/L <0.08 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L 0.12 Bq/L 1 Bq/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L 10 Bq/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Copper N/A N/A 1.91 µg/L N/A 2 - 4 µg/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Zinc N/A N/A 1.13 µg/L <0.79 µg/L 30 µg/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Aluminum N/A N/A 4.53 µg/L 9.08 µg/L 100 µg/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Iron N/A N/A 3.15 µg/L 1 µg/L 300 µg/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Cadmium N/A N/A <0.08 µg/L <0.03 µg/L 0.09 µg/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Cobalt-60 <0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L <0.27 Bq/L 12.1 Bq/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Total Dissolved Solids N/A N/A 205 mg/L 174 mg/L 500 mg/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Ammonia N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L <0.24 mg/L 0.3 mg/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Temperature N/A N/A N/A 20.5 °C N/A No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Hydrazine N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L <0.2 µg/L 2.6 µg/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) Morpholine N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L N/A 0.004 mg/L No PP10-W04
Water Lake (surface) pH N/A N/A 8 8.5 6.5 - 9.0 No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Tritium 3.9 Bq/L 5.7 Bq/L 3.5 Bq/L 14.9 Bq/L 7,000 Bq/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Gross Alpha N/A <0.04 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L <0.08 Bq/L 0.5 Bq/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Gross Beta <0.12 Bq/L <0.08 Bq/L 0.18 Bq/L <0.09 Bq/L 1 Bq/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L 10 Bq/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Copper N/A N/A 1.14 µg/L N/A 2 - 4 µg/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Zinc N/A N/A 1.16 µg/L <0.79 µg/L 30 µg/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Aluminum N/A N/A 89.97 µg/L 3.06 µg/L 100 µg/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Iron N/A N/A 2.62 µg/L 0.52 µg/L 300 µg/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Cadmium N/A N/A <0.08 µg/L <0.03 µg/L 0.09 µg/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Cobalt-60 <0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L <0.27 Bq/L 12.1 Bq/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Total Dissolved Solids N/A N/A 206 mg/L 174 mg/L 500 mg/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Ammonia N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L <0.24 mg/L 0.3 mg/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Temperature N/A N/A N/A 21 °C N/A No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Hydrazine N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L <0.2 µg/L 2.6 µg/L No PP11-W05
Water Lake (surface) Morpholine N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L N/A 0.004 mg/L No PP11-W05
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cesium-137 <0.0005 Bq/m³ N/A N/A N/A 2.56 Bq/m³ No PP12-A05
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritium <2 Bq/m³ N/A N/A N/A 340 Bq/m³ No PP12-A05
Air Ambient (Tritium) Elemental Tritium <2 Bq/m³ N/A N/A N/A 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No PP12-A05
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 2.11 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PP12-S08
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.94 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PP12-S08
Food Milk (raw) Tritium 6.8 Bq/kg fresh weight 6.7 Bq/kg fresh weight 11.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 5,560 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP13-F01
Food Milk (raw) Organically Bound Tritium 2.5 Bq/kg fresh weight <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 2,260 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP13-F01
Food Milk (raw) Cesium-137 N/A <0.25 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A 24.5 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP13-F01
Food Milk (raw) Cobalt-60 N/A <0.32 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A 10.9 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP13-F01
Food Rhubarb Tritium N/A N/A 15.4 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 104,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP14-F02
Food Rhubarb Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 45,200 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP14-F02
Food Peas Tritium N/A N/A 7.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 104,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP14-F03
Food Peas Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 45,200 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP14-F03
Food Raspberries Tritium N/A N/A 12.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 123,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP14-F04
Food Raspberries Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 50,300 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP14-F04
Food Potatoes Tritium N/A N/A 7.4 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 279,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP14-F05
Food Potatoes Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 121,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP14-F05
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A 1.6 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PP15-S15
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PP15-S15
Sand 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A 0.2 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PP15-SA15
Sand 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PP15-SA15
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium N/A N/A N/A 6.9 Bq/kg fresh weight 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP15-V15
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <2.3 Bq/kg fresh weight 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP15-V15
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <2.7 Bq/kg fresh weight 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No PP15-V15
Water Lake (surface) pH N/A N/A N/A 8.4 6.5 - 9.0 No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Tritium N/A N/A N/A 4.7 Bq/L 7,000 Bq/L No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Gross Alpha N/A N/A N/A <0.08 Bq/L 0.5 Bq/L No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Gross Beta N/A N/A N/A <0.09 Bq/L 1 Bq/L No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <0.24 Bq/L 10 Bq/L No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Zinc N/A N/A N/A <0.79 µg/L 30 µg/L No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Aluminum N/A N/A N/A 2 µg/L 100 µg/L No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Iron N/A N/A N/A 0.56 µg/L 300 µg/L No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Cadmium N/A N/A N/A <0.03 µg/L 0.09 µg/L No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <0.27 Bq/L 12.1 Bq/L No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Total Dissolved Solids N/A N/A N/A 167 mg/L 500 mg/L No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Ammonia N/A N/A N/A <0.24 mg/L 0.3 mg/L No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Temperature N/A N/A N/A 21.2 °C N/A No PP15-W15
Water Lake (surface) Hydrazine N/A N/A N/A <0.2 µg/L 2.6 µg/L No PP15-W15

1 The < symbol indicates that a result is below the provided laboratory analytical detection limit.

2 N/A – Not available

3 For radiological parameters (expressed as Bq/L, Bq/kg or Bq/m3) where no federal or provincial guidelines exist, our screening levels were established based on conservative assumptions using CSA standard N288.1-14, Guidelines for Calculating Derived Release Limits for Radioactive Material in Airborne and Liquid Effluents for Normal Operation of Nuclear Facilities. The screening level for a particular radionuclide in a particular medium (e.g., water, air, food) represents the activity concentration that would result in a dose of 0.1 millisieverts per year (mSv/year), a dose at which no impacts on human health are expected. For more information, please refer to the IEMP technical information sheet.

4 Tritiated water (HTO) is a radioactive form of water where the usual hydrogen atoms in water (H2O) are replaced with tritium. Elemental tritium (HT) refers to the radioactive form of hydrogen gas. Organically bound tritium (OBT) is tritium that is bound to an organic molecule, such as a carbohydrate, fat, or protein.

5 For water samples, the results for non-radiological parameters are compared to Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life. Where no CCME guidelines exist, Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality are used.

2021 results

CNSC staff taking vegetation samples near the Pickering nuclear site in 2017.

CNSC staff taking water samples at a public beach near the Pickering nuclear site in 2017.

The 2021 IEMP sampling plan for the Pickering Nuclear Generating Site focused on radiological and non-radiological substances. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on the licensee’s approved environmental monitoring program and our regulatory experience with the site. We endeavour to incorporate traditional Indigenous land use, values and knowledge by engaging with Indigenous Nations and communities on the sampling plan. More information on this engagement is provided in the “Indigenous Nations and Communities’ Participation” section.

In July 2021, we collected air, water, soil, sand and vegetation samples in publicly accessible areas outside the facility perimeter.

The levels of radioactivity and hazardous substances measured in air, water, soil, sand and vegetation were below available guidelines and our own screening levels. Our screening levels are based on conservative assumptions about the exposure that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv per year (1/10 of the regulatory public dose limit of 1 mSv per year). Measurements conducted through the IEMP to date have consistently found levels of radioactivity in the environment to be low, and well within the range of natural background radiation levels. As a result, no effects on human health are expected.   

2014, 2015, and 2017 Results

The 2017 IEMP sampling plan for the Pickering site focused on nuclear and hazardous contaminants. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on OPG's approved environmental monitoring program and the CNSC's regulatory experience with the site. In 2017, samples were collected in publicly accessible areas outside the Pickering site perimeter and included air, lake water, soil, sediment and sand, grass and wild vegetation, and food such as milk, fruit and vegetables from a local farm near the Pickering site. View detailed sampling data.

The measured radioactivity levels in all the samples with detectable radionuclide concentrations were below CNSC reference levels. These reference levels are based on conservative assumptions about the exposure that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv/year, which represents one-tenth of the CNSC's public dose limit of 1 mSv/year. Overall, the results indicate that no health impacts are expected at this dose level.

Indigenous Nations and communities’ participation

We have made it a priority to ensure that IEMP sampling reflects Indigenous traditional knowledge, land use, and values where possible. In addition to routine IEMP sampling activities, we seek input from potentially interested Indigenous Nations and communities on our IEMP sampling plans.

In advance of the 2021 IEMP sampling campaign at Pickering Nuclear Generating Site, notification emails were sent to potentially interested Indigenous Nations and communities to notify them of the sampling campaign and to seek input on the sampling plan. We invited suggestions for species of interest, valued components, and potential sampling locations where traditional practices and activities may take place.

Curve Lake First Nation (CLFN) joined us to participate in the sampling for a day. Having CLFN representatives participate in the sampling promotes a better understanding of sampling methods and locations and improves input into future sampling in terms of CFLN species of interest, valued components, and potential sampling locations.

We will continue to engage with interested Indigenous Nations and communities to ensure that IEMP sampling incorporates Indigenous knowledge in future campaigns.

View detailed sampling data

Focus on health

We review the results of existing scientific evidence and conduct health studies to provide further independent verification that the health of people living near the Pickering Nuclear Generating Site is protected.

A recent and comprehensive CNSC study on the health of people living near nuclear power plants, found  that all cancers for all age groups, in individuals living near these facilities, were similar to the rest of Ontario. In particular, there was no evidence of increases of childhood leukemia. These findings are consistent with research studies conducted around nuclear power plants in other countries (i.e. the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Finland). The body of evidence demonstrates that people who live near nuclear power plants, such as the Pickering Nuclear Generating Site, are as healthy as the rest of the general Canadian population.

Based on exposure and health data, we have not observed and do not expect any adverse health outcomes relating to the presence of the Pickering Nuclear Generating Site. Access our library of health studies and third-party research.

If you would like more general health information and data for your community, please visit the following websites:

Home and Community Care Support Services Central East

Durham Public Health

Cancer Care Ontario (reports)

Public Health Ontario (data and analysis products)

Conclusions

from 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2021 are consistent with the results submitted by OPG, supporting our assessment that the licensee’s environmental protection program is effective. The results add to the body of evidence that people and the environment in the vicinity of Pickering Nuclear Generating Site are protected and that there are no anticipated health impacts from the operation of the facilities on the site.

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