Independent Environmental Monitoring Program: SRB Technologies
| Site name | SRB Technologies |
|---|---|
| Licensee | SRB Technologies (Canada) Inc. (SRBT) |
| Facility name | SRBT Nuclear Substance Processing Facility |
| Facility location | The site is located in Pembroke, Ontario. |
| Land acknowledgement | The CNSC acknowledges that the SRBT facility is situated on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg people. |
| Facility description | SRBT uses tritium, a nuclear substance, to develop self-luminous emergency exit signs, military applications such as land mine markers, watch dials and other safety products not requiring batteries or other external sources of power. |
| Environmental protection requirements | In accordance with regulatory requirements under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, all licensees of Class I nuclear facilities and uranium mines and mills 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 pathways to the public must be assessed and mitigated. |
Our IEMP results from 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024 are consistent with the results submitted by SRB Technologies, 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 SRB Technologies site are protected and that there are no anticipated health impacts from the operation of the facilities on the site.
- Interactive map and IEMP results
- Data table (Download CSV – (28 kb)
- (2018, 2015, 2014 and 2013) (2021) (2024)
- Related links
Legend
SRB Technologies
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 N288.1-20, Guidelines for Modelling Radionuclide Environmental Transport, Fate, and Exposure Associated with the 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 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 (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 the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) 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.
6 "-" No data available due to air-sampler malfunctioning.
2024 results
The 2024 IEMP sampling plan for the SRB Technologies site focused on radioactive nuclear 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 August 2024, we collected air, water, food and vegetation samples in publicly accessible areas outside the facility perimeter.
The levels of radioactivity measured in air, water, food 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/year (one-tenth of the regulatory public dose limit of 1 mSv/year). Measurements conducted by 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.
2021 results
The 2021 IEMP sampling plan for the SRBT facility focused on radioactive contaminants. The SRBT facility does not release hazardous (non-radiological) substances in any significant quantities. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on the licensee’s approved environmental monitoring program and our regulatory experience with the site. We endeavor 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, vegetation, and local food samples in publicly accessible areas outside the facility perimeter. The levels of radioactivity measured in those samples were well 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/ year (one-tenth of the regulatory public dose limit of 1 mSv/year). Measurements conducted by 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.
2018, 2015, 2014, and 2013 results
The 2018, 2015, 2014 and 2013 IEMP sampling plan for the SRBT facility site focused on radioactive contaminants. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on SRBT's approved environmental monitoring program, CSA Group standards and our regulatory experience with the site. Samples were collected in publicly accessible areas outside the SRBT facility site perimeter and included water, soil and vegetation, air, and food such as milk, fruits and vegetables from local farms. View detailed sampling data.
The radioactivity measured in water, soil, vegetation, air and food samples was below available guidelines and our screening levels, and within natural background levels. Our screening levels are based on conservative assumptions about the exposure that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv/year. No health impacts are expected at this dose level.
In 2015, the results for air sample SR03-A03 were higher than those captured in the results from 2013 and 2014. The variation in results is not surprising, given that SRBT's emissions to the environment are not continuous. The 2013 and 2014 sampling campaigns were performed during a time when the facility was not emitting tritium or when weather conditions were varying. The licensee uses passive air samplers to collect samples over a 1-month period, while the IEMP uses active air samplers to collect samples over a period of approximately 8 hours. Results from the 2 sampling methods cannot be directly compared. Passive air sampler results will reflect the average concentration of tritium, which is low because there are extended periods when the facility is not emitting tritium based on its operating conditions. The SR03-A03 results are within SRBT's normal operating range, and no health impacts are expected at this dose level. View SRBT’s emissions data here.
In 2014, tritium concentrations in 2 vegetation samples were lower by one order of magnitude compared to 2013. Since the IEMP results represent a snapshot in time, the differences between sample results can be attributed to differences in the sampling locations, seasonal variations, facility operations, meteorological conditions and/or natural variations in background radiation. Results over the sampling years consistently remain well below the available guidelines and our screening levels.
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 local Indigenous Nations and communities on our IEMP sampling plans. In advance of the 2024 IEMP sampling campaign around the SRBT site, notification emails were sent to Indigenous Nations and communities near the facility 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. Vegetation, food, soil and water were sampled.
Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation
Prior to sampling, Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation (AOPFN) had the opportunity to review the sampling plan and meet with the CNSC IEMP team to discuss the plan and provide suggestions. Weeks ahead of the sampling event, CNSC staff met with AOPFN, including AOPFN Guardians and Earth Walkers, to walk the land and present the sampling plan. Following this meeting, AOPFN identified aquatic vegetation as a priority sample. AOPFN also shared with SRBT their short- and long-term expectations related to SRBT sampling activities. In preparing for the sampling event, CNSC staff also sent a document outlining what to expect in the field.
AOPFN participated in the SRBT 2024 sampling activities. Key vegetation samples included Canadian mint (collected for an aquatic vegetation sample, as it grows along the riverbank), willow, wild apples and local market corn.
Algonquins of Ontario
Prior to sampling, Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) reviewed the sampling plan and met with the CNSC IEMP team. The CNSC also provided a document outlining what to expect in the field. A representative from AOO joined the CNSC field team to collect samples. The AOO representative identified vegetation species of medicinal, spiritual and cultural importance to the AOO for collection. Key vegetation samples collected included hawthorn berries and jewelweed.
Focus on health
We review the results of public health reports and data, international publications, and at times conduct our own health studies to provide additional confidence that the health of people living near the SRBT facility is protected. The Renfrew County and District (RCD) Health Unit, Public Health Ontario and Cancer Care Ontario monitor the health of populations around SRBT. Disease rates are compared to rates in similar demographic/geographic populations, or larger reference populations, such as Ontario or Canada, to detect any potential health outcomes that may be of concern.
Like in the Canadian population, the most diagnosed cancers in RCD are breast (females) and prostate (males). From 2016 to 2020, for all cancers and both sexes combined, RCD had cancer mortality and incidence rates higher than Ontario. Looking at specific cancer types for the same time period, compared to Ontario, incidence rates of colorectal, lung, melanoma and prostate cancer were higher in RCD, whereas incidence rates of thyroid and brain and other nervous system cancers were lower. Other Ontario regions (e.g., Southwestern Public Health, Lambton Health Unit, and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit) also have incidence rates higher than Ontario for the same cancer types and all cancers combined.
Health data often varies by region, and the opportunity to be healthy is not the same for everyone; it is affected by personal, lifestyle, social, economic, environmental and systemic factors. Compared to Ontario, a higher proportion of the RCD population (age 20+) were current smokers in 2018–2020, and a higher proportion of the RCD population (age 18+) were overweight or obese in 2018–2019. Smoking and being overweight/obese are risk factors for developing cancer.
Health status data for Indigenous Peoples are not reported separately by the RCD Health Unit. It is recognized that there are significant inequities in health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples in Canada.
Several studies involving SRBT were carried out as part of our tritium studies project. The radiation dose from tritium among people living near the SRBT facility is well below the public dose limit of 1 mSv, which is negligible compared to natural background radiation (approximately 1.8 mSv/year). There is little evidence to suggest that increased cancer incidence or mortality occurs in populations exposed to tritium at current environmental or occupational levels.
Based on current levels of radionuclides in the environment; exposures to people living in the area; the current scientific knowledge about the sources, effects and risks of ionizing radiation; and relevant local, provincial and national health data, it is highly unlikely that the adverse health outcomes observed in RCD are related to the environmental exposures from SRBT.
For additional information, please visit the following websites:
- Renfrew County and District Health Unit – Reports
- Cancer Care Ontario – Statistical Reports
- Cancer Care Ontario – Ontario Cancer Profiles
- Public Health Ontario – Snapshots
- Canadian Cancer Society – Canadian Cancer Statistics 2023
- CNSC – Tritium studies
- CNSC health studies page – lists multiple relevant CNSC, national and international studies
- United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) – Scientific publications
Conclusions
Our IEMP results from 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018, 2021 and 2024 are consistent with the results submitted by SRB, 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 SRB Technologies site are protected and that there are no anticipated health impacts from the operation of the facilities on the site.
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