CNSC renews Ontario Power Generation’s Pickering Waste Management Facility operating licence

February 7, 2018 – Ottawa

Following a public hearing held on April 13, 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision to renew Ontario Power Generation Inc.’s (OPG) Waste Facility Operating Licence for the Pickering Waste Management Facility (PWMF). The licence will be valid from April 1, 2018 until August 31, 2028.

OPG also requested authorization for the site preparation and construction of a new dry storage container (DSC) processing building and two new DSC storage buildings, as well as for the construction of DSC Storage Building #4 (carried over from the current licence). The Commission authorizes the proposed activities, with the requirement that OPG is to submit a commissioning report to CNSC staff. The Commission or a person authorized by the Commission must approve the report before any site preparation, construction, or construction modifications at the facility.

Following the April proceeding, a continuation of hearing was announced to allow for additional information to be submitted into the record. OPG submitted the 2014 and 2017 environmental risk assessments (ERAs) for the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station site to the Commission. CNSC staff, OPG, and intervenors who had filed submissions for the April hearing were provided the opportunity to file supplementary written submissions in respect of the ERAs.

In making its decision, the Commission considered submissions from OPG and 12 intervenors, as well as CNSC staff’s recommendations.

CNSC staff will report annually on the PWMF’s performance as part of the Regulatory Oversight Report for Canadian Nuclear Power Plants. The report will be presented at public Commission meetings with public participation.

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 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.