January 15, 2015 – Ottawa
Following a public hearing held on November 6, 2014 in Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision on the Environmental Assessment Report (EA Report) for the Saskatchewan Research Council’s (SRC) proposed Gunnar Remediation Project. The Commission concluded that the proposed project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, taking into account mitigation measures identified in the EA Report. The CNSC therefore issued a 10-year Waste Nuclear Substance Licence to the SRC, valid from January 14, 2015 to November 30, 2024.
In making its decision, the Commission considered information and submissions from the SRC and five intervenors, as well as CNSC staff recommendations. The Commission concluded that the SRC is qualified to carry out the licence’s authorized activity and that it will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, the health and safety of persons, and the maintenance of national security measures required to implement international obligations to which Canada has agreed.
The licence includes a regulatory hold point for phase 2 of the project. The Commission will consider the SRC’s request to remove this hold point in a future Commission proceeding with public participation. The Commission also strongly recommends that local Aboriginal groups be invited to participate in the project’s environmental and follow-up monitoring programs, as the program’s requirements and mandate allow.
CNSC staff will provide the Commission with an annual report on the SRC’s performance, as part of the CNSC’s annual reports on uranium fuel cycle facilities.
The Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision, is available upon request by contacting the Commission Secretariat. It will be available in both official languages on the CNSC website at a later date. The transcripts of the hearing are available on the CNSC website at nuclearsafety.gc.ca or by contacting the CNSC. The webcast of the hearing is also archived on the same site, for a 90-day period.
The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.
Aurèle Gervais
Media and Community Relations
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
613-996-6860
1-800-668-5284
mediarelations@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
