CNSC invites comments on new discussion paper DIS-16-03, Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning

News Release

May 13, 2016  – Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is asking the public to provide their comments on draft discussion paper DIS-16-03, Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning. DIS-16-03 will be available for consultation for a period of 120 days. Please submit your feedback by September 12, 2016. To review and comment on the document, visit the DIS-16-03 Web page.

Comments submitted, including names and affiliations, are intended to be made public. 

As a responsible regulator, the CNSC is committed to continuous improvement, and seeks to further clarify its framework for regulating waste and decommissioning. This discussion paper solicits early stakeholder feedback on proposed options to improve regulatory clarity. Comments are being sought on opportunities to incorporate Canadian and international best practices, and to update CNSC documents with more modern terminology. In addition, the CNSC is seeking to improve clarity and predictability for applicants and other stakeholders by clearly indicating the information that licence applicants are expected to submit.

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.

Quick facts

• The federal government, including the CNSC, ensures that radioactive waste disposal is carried out in a safe, environmentally sound, comprehensive, cost-effective, and integrated manner.
• The CNSC licenses, regulates and monitors Canada's waste management facilities to ensure they are operated safely.
• In accordance with the "polluter pays" principle, waste producers and owners are responsible for the funding, organization, management and operation of disposal and other facilities required for their waste.

Additional links

• CNSC regulatory policy P-290, Managing Radioactive Waste (PDF)

Contact

Aurèle Gervais
Media Relations
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
613-996-6860
1-800-668-5284
cnsc.mediarelations-relationsmedias.ccsn@canada.ca

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