CNSC removes the Gunnar Remediation Project Phase 2 regulatory hold point

November 30, 2016 – Ottawa

Following a public hearing on September 22, 2016, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision to remove the Gunnar Remediation Project Phase 2 regulatory hold point. This will allow Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) to proceed with the remediation of the other site aspects, including the waste rock, open pit and mine openings, at the Gunnar legacy uranium mine site in Northern Saskatchewan.

In making its decision, the Commission considered submissions from SRC and two intervenors, as well as CNSC staff’s recommendations.

CNSC staff will report annually on the Gunnar Remediation Project’s performance at a public Commission meeting where members of the public will have the opportunity to intervene.

The Record of Decision is available on request to the Commission Secretariat. It will be posted in both official languages on the CNSC website at nuclearsafety.gc.ca at a later date. Hearing transcripts can be obtained on the CNSC website or by contacting the CNSC. The hearing webcast is available on the same site for 90 days.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security 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 Gunnar site is the location of a former uranium mine and mill. The site is being remediated by the SRC under a CNSC waste nuclear substance licence.
• The remediation project is being implemented in three phases. The current licence includes regulatory hold points for Phases 2 and 3 of the project.
• After a hearing in September 2015, the Commission approved the partial removal of the Phase 2 hold point, as it pertained to the tailings remediation.

Aerial view of the Gunnar Legacy Uranium Mine Site

Related products

Uranium mines and mills waste CNSC webpage

Contact

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