Events Reporting: Waste Management Facilities
For the latest information visit:
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Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
- Chalk River Laboratories' community information bulletin and event reports web pages
- Whiteshell decommissioning web page
- Port Hope Area Initiative's public disclosure web page
2022
Industrial site (formerly Mississauga Metals and Alloys Inc.)
Date of event: March 24, 2022
The CNSC was informed of a break-in in Brantford at an industrial storage site containing radioactive materials. The Brantford Police were also informed.
Staff have conducted a preliminary assessment and re-secured the site. No immediate impact to the public or environment has resulted from the vandalism.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Date of event: June 6, 2022
On June 6, 2022, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) notified the CNSC that during routine compliance sampling at the Port Hope Project Waste Water Treatment Plant, an effluent sample for the week ending June 1, 2022, had exceeded the weekly release limit for copper and the action level for zinc.
CNL determined that the exceedance presented a negligible risk to human health and the environment. As a result of this event, CNL stopped discharging treated water until an investigation could be conducted to determine the cause of the elevated copper and zinc levels. On June 13, 2022, CNL informed CNSC staff that it had conducted its investigation and had identified the source of contamination as being from brass components on the treated effluent side of the Waste Water Treatment Plant. CNL took corrective actions to prevent a similar occurrence, including conducting an extent-of-condition assessment and increasing its compliance sampling of the final effluent pending completion of the assessment. CNSC staff found that CNL had appropriately identified the source of contamination and that the corrective actions taken to monitor and prevent a similar event in the future were adequate to start discharging treated effluent as of June 13, 2022.
CNSC staff have submitted an event initial report to the Commission on this issue, which will be raised at the June 28, 2022, Commission meeting.
CNL will provide the CNSC with a full report on this event by June 29, 2022 (that is, within 21 days of the date it notified the CNSC). CNSC staff will review the final report to ensure that the public and environment are protected and that any further proposed corrective measures are appropriate.
For more information, visit the Public Disclosure page of the Port Hope Area Initiative.
Date of event: February 4, 2022
On February 4, 2022, the CNSC was informed by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) that a fire water line was leaking at Chalk River Laboratories (CRL). Shortly after, an active drain holding tank level started to increase and the Emergency Operations Centre was activated. The fire water line leak was quickly isolated and the holding tank level increase stopped. There was no contamination detected in the leak. The fire water line has been repaired and the holding tank levels have returned to normal. There was no evidence that water from any other sources leaked into the holding tank and there were no other impacts due to the leak.
CNL is conducting an investigation into the event and will update the CNSC with its findings.
The CNSC will work with CNL to ensure the continued safe operation at CRL. There is no impact on the employees, the public or the environment from the incident.
2021
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Date of event: December 12, 2021
On December 12, 2021, we were informed by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) that the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) site experienced a loss of Class IV power. Downed power lines due to weather conditions was determined to be the cause of the loss of power. During this time, CRL facilities operated safely on backup power supplies. All necessary repairs have been completed. Prior to restoring power and resuming operations, CNL performed safety checks including site walk downs and inspections.
There is no impact on the safe operation of CRL, the public, employees or the environment from the incident.
Mississauga Metals and Alloys
Date of event: August 20, 2021
On August 20, 2021, the CNSC was notified that Mississauga Metals and Alloys, a waste nuclear substance licensee located in Brantford, Ontario, had been deemed bankrupt and no longer had control of the site or its assets.
CNSC staff have taken interim steps to ensure the continued safety and security of the nuclear substances and are in discussions with the Trustee in Bankruptcy and other parties to determine next steps.
There is no expected risk to the public or the environment as a result of this event.
An update on this event will be provided at an upcoming Commission meeting.
Kinectrics Inc.
Date of event: June 14, 2021
Kinectrics Inc. reported to the CNSC on June 14, 2021 that an industrial accident occurred at Kinectrics’ site licensed for waste nuclear substances, in Tiverton, Ontario.
Kinectrics had hired a contractor for the purpose of rigging and lifting a pump motor. During the conduct of this activity, an employee working for the contractor was struck by the equipment and suffered fatal injuries. The Ontario Ministry of Labour is investigating the accident. CNSC staff are in contact with the Ministry of Labour and with the licensee.
No other persons were injured in the accident.
No nuclear materials were involved in this incident and the event had no impact on safety of the public or the environment.
An update on this event will be provided at the next Commission meeting and a full report will be provided when the event investigation is complete.
The CNSC extends its condolences to the family and colleagues of the deceased.
Read the statement from Kinectrics.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Date of event: April 18, 2021
In response to the province of Ontario’s new COVID-19 restrictions, CNL is reducing operations at its Ontario facilities for a period of up to one month and will be increasing the number of staff working remotely. CNL will continue the work necessary to keep the sites safe, be compliant with regulations, and deliver mission critical activities.
To ensure a controlled approach to this reduction, preparations are underway in consultation with employees, unions, AECL, and the CNSC. During this period, CNL’s Crisis Management Team will continue to monitor provincial requirements and the risks related to COVID-19. CNL will increase onsite operations only when safe to do so.
CNSC staff will continue to be notified about CNL’s response, including the actions taken to protect the health and safety of workers, the public and the environment.
For more information, visit CNL’s website.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Date of event: November 26, 2020, January 15, 2021 and January 25, 2021
On March 2, 2021, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories notified the CNSC it had discharged stormwater into the Port Hope Harbour, in excess of provincial water quality guidelines, on three occasions. The discharges occurred on November 26, 2020, January 15, 2021, and January 25, 2021.
CNL has determined the discharges present a negligible risk to human health and the environment. As a result of these events, CNL has stopped discharging stormwater until an investigation is conducted and appropriate corrective measures have been implemented to prevent any recurrences.
CNL will provide the CNSC with a full report on these events by March 23, 2021 (i.e., within 21 days of the date it notified the CNSC). This report will indicate the cause and potential environmental effects of the events, and the actions that will be taken. CNSC staff will review the final report to ensure the public and environment are protected and the proposed corrective measures are appropriate.
For more information, visit the Public Disclosure page of the Port Hope Area Initiative.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Date of event: January 28, 2021
On January 28, 2021, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) informed the CNSC of an increase in cesium levels in its recent analysis of the water samples at its Whiteshell Laboratories site outfall. The levels remain below the regulatory limits established by the CNSC.
CNL suspects the source of this increase is related to activities associated with planned onsite demolition work, which has since been stopped. An investigation is underway, and the CNSC will be provided with the investigation summary.
The increase in cesium levels had no impact on the health and safety of workers, the public or the environment.
Update: March 5, 2021
CNL has completed its investigation and provided the summary to the CNSC. Additional analysis indicated there were no elevated levels of cesium. Cesium levels continue to remain below the regulatory limit. The CNSC confirmed the content of the summary of CNL’s investigation.
Visit CNL’s website for more information.
2020
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Date of event: December 4, 2020
On December 4, 2020, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) informed the CNSC of a fuel oil leak at its Douglas Point Waste Facility. Upon discovery, the leak was isolated using absorbents to soak up surface oil. CNL confirmed less than 150 litres of fuel oil leaked into the in-ground drain and work is underway to retrieve the oil from the drainage system. No oil has leaked into Lake Huron and there is no impact to the health and safety of the public or the environment.
Visit CNL’s website for more information.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
Date of event: November 23, 2020
Failed waste water toxicity test at Port Granby
On November 23, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) informed the CNSC of a failure of an effluent toxicity test at the Port Granby Project Waste Water Treatment Plant. This failure resulted in an exceedance of the effluent licence limit for toxicity. Toxicity testing is a licence requirement for the Port Granby Project waste water treatment plant to prevent harm to aquatic life. All other sample results were within the established action levels and licence limits.
CNL has stopped discharging treated water to Lake Ontario. Further samples have been sent to the laboratory for analysis, and CNL will not resume discharging water to the lake until results confirm that the treated water is within all allowable limits.
There is no expected risk to the public or the environment due to this event. CNSC staff will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the environment and public remain safe, and CNL will submit a follow-up report with corrective actions where necessary.
Visit CNL’s website for more information.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: November 17, 2020
The CNSC was informed by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories of the delivery of a suspicious package at one of its buildings at the Chalk River Laboratories site. The package was isolated for further inspection by local authorities and all workers were safely evacuated from the building. The package was confirmed to be safe and normal operations have resumed.
This event had no impact on the health and safety of the workers, the public or the environment.
Visit CNL’s website for more information.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: November 2, 2020
CNL has informed the CNSC of seven confirmed positive COVID-19 cases of employees at its Chalk River Laboratories site. The affected employees are following the direction of local health officials. As a precautionary measure, other staff working in the same area are self-isolating at home and the work area is being disinfected.
CNL is continuing to operate its facilities, while monitoring the situation and providing regular updates to the CNSC. There is no impact on nuclear safety.
Visit CNL’s website for more information.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: October 29, 2020
On October 29, 2020, CNL informed the CNSC that smoke was detected during routine machining work at Chalk River Laboratories. Workers were evacuated and emergency response officials discovered a small fire that was quickly extinguished. CNL is investigating the cause of the fire. This event had no impact on the health and safety of the workers, the public or the environment.
Visit CNL’s website for more information.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: October 22, 2020
On October 22, 2020, CNL informed the CNSC that a short in an electric motor had ignited a small filter in some metal ductwork which resulted in an open flame and smoke detector activation. Response personnel detected smoke coming from the building’s ventilation in the air handling unit. It was determined that the source of the smoke was a ventilation fan motor. The small fire was quickly extinguished. This event had no impact on the health and safety of the workers, the public or the environment.
Visit CNL’s website for more information.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: October 9, 2020
On October 9, 2020, CNL informed the CNSC that a package of nuclear materials shipped from Chalk River Laboratories was shipped under the wrong classification. After reviewing the documentation for the package, CNL confirmed there were discrepancies between the classification of the shipment and the dose rate of the nuclear materials it contained. CNL is reviewing the process for classifying shipments to prevent a reoccurrence. This event had no impact on the health and safety of the public or the environment.
Visit CNL’s website for more information.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: July 25, 2020
Water holding tank leak at the Port Granby Waste Water Treatment Plant
CNL informed the CNSC that a plant operator observed water leaking from a water holding tank at the Port Granby Waste Water Treatment Plant during a routine inspection. The plant was shut down and actions were taken to drain the tank and stop the leak. It is estimated that 20-50 m3 of water leaked from the tank and entered the storm water management pond located on the site.
CNL has collected water and soil samples for analysis at various locations along the flow pathway. It has been indicated to CNSC that, at no time was there a health or safety risk to workers or the public.
CNSC staff will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the environment and public remain safe.
Further information is available on the CNL website.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: May 31, 2020
Import of Controlled Item without an Import Licence
CNL informed the CNSC it imported a controlled nuclear substance (depleted uranium) that was not authorized under its existing CNSC import licence. The shipment contained fuel rods from Exelon, a U.S. company.
CNL concluded there were no effects on the health, safety and security of persons or the environment as a result of this event.
CNSC staff are reviewing the information provided by CNL and will determine the appropriate next steps.
Further information is available on the CNL website.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: January 27, 2020
Surface water leaving catchment areas at the Port Granby Legacy Waste Management Facility
The CNSC was informed that between 200 m3 and 600 m3 of impacted surface water was released on January 27, 2020, from the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) legacy waste management facility in Port Granby, Ontario. CNL took immediate action to address the situation and notified the CNSC and the Spills Action Centre. There is no health or safety risk to the public and the effect on the environment is expected to be negligible.
CNSC staff will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the environment and public remain safe.
Further information is available from CNL.
2019
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: September 12, 2019
Chalk River service water leak
On September 12, 2019, the CNSC was informed of a service water leak that had led to a power outage at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) – Chalk River Laboratories. In addition, a wider power outage affected large areas of the Ottawa River Valley, including the Chalk River site. CNL retained and tested the water and determined there was no hazard to the public or environment. CNSC staff from the Chalk River Laboratories Site Office were on site, monitoring CNL’s response to the event.
Further information is available from CNL.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: January 9, 2019
Port Granby Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Facility, part of the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI)
On January 9, 2019, the CNSC was informed of a worker injury at the Port Granby Long-Term Waste Management Facility. The worker was transported to a nearby medical centre, and CNL continues to investigate the incident. There was no impact on the safety of the public or the environment.
Visit PHAI’s website for information about the injury, as well as an update on the worker.
2018
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: November 5, 2018
Port Granby Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Facility, part of the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI)
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) was informed by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories of a leak of untreated water at the Port Granby Waste Water Treatment Plant. The leak was contained, and there is no expected environmental impact as a result of the event. There was no risk to the safety of workers or the public.
Visit PHAI’s Public Disclosure webpage for more information.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: January 25, 2018
Port Granby Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Facility, part of the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI)
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) was informed by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories that water had been observed flowing from a water collection reservoir at the Port Granby Waste Management Facility site. Upon this discovery, the water pumping system was turned off to stop the flow of water to the collection reservoir.
Independent water testing is currently underway. Preliminary results from the licensee’s testing confirm that there is no risk to the environment or the public.
The CNSC continues to monitor the situation and will provide an update if follow-up actions are required.
Visit PHAI’s Public Disclosure webpage for more information.
2017
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: June 23, 2017
Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) Project site
Update (June 26, 2017)
The CNSC was informed by the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) Management Office that after a heavy downpour in the Cobourg and Port Hope areas on June 22 and 23, there were overflows of untreated water from the water collection pond at the Port Hope Project Long-Term Waste Management Facility and from the catch basin at the Port Granby Waste Management Facility. These overflows resulted in environmental releases into Lake Ontario.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (the licensee) has the situation under control, and the overflow has stopped.
Water testing is currently underway. Preliminary results from the licensee’s testing confirm that there is no risk to the public or workers. CNSC inspectors will be onsite today to collect samples and oversee licensee follow up actions.
The CNSC is working with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, and will continue to monitor the situation.
A report will be submitted to an upcoming public Commission proceeding.
Visit PHAI’s public disclosure website for more information.
Original post (June 23, 2017)
The CNSC was informed by the Port Hope Area Initiative Management Office that after several hours of heavy rain, one of the treatment ponds at the site overflowed and entered an engineered storm drain that ultimately drains into Lake Ontario. Water testing is currently being done, and PHAI’s website will provide further information once available.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: April 21, 2017
Port Granby Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Facility, part of the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI)
The CNSC was informed by the Historic Waste Program Management Office of a leak in an underground pipe at the Port Granby Project site. The pipe was used to transfer untreated water to the onsite treatment plant. The spill was confined to the site, and the affected pipe has since been repaired, tested and returned to service. There was no impact on the health and safety of workers and the public. The CNSC will verify that all corrective actions are carried out by CNL to prevent a similar occurrence.
Visit PHAI’s website for more information.
Mississauga Metals and Alloys
Date of event: February 6, 2017
Brantford, ON
The CNSC was informed by Mississauga Metals and Alloys, in accordance with their licence conditions, of a fire that occurred at their Brantford, ON facility. The fire was contained in the main building, and no radioactive substances were affected. The fire was controlled by the Brantford Fire Department. There were no injuries to workers, and there was no radiological impact to the health and safety of the public or the environment.
This event will be discussed at an upcoming public Commission meeting.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: January 13, 2017
Port Granby Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Facility, part of the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI)
The CNSC was informed by the Port Hope Area Initiative Management Office that an early warning system alarm was triggered inside one of the process rooms in the Port Granby Project Waste Water Treatment Plant. The alarm indicated that elevated levels of hydrogen sulphide gas were present. Upon hearing the alarm, all personnel followed procedure and exited the building immediately. There were no off-site effects of this event, and at no point was there a threat to the safety of the public.
Visit PHAI’s website for more information.
2016
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: December 1, 2016
Port Granby Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Facility, part of the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI)
The CNSC was informed by the Port Hope Area Initiative Management Office that during waste placement a strong ammonia-like odour was detected. Two workers who were exposed to the odour received medical evaluation and were cleared to return to work. Early indications are that a leaking drum was the source of the odour. At this time, there is no indication that the leaked substance had any offsite effects, or impact on the public.
Visit PHAI's website for more information.
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
Date of event: March 31, 2016
Port Granby Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Facility, part of the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI)
The CNSC was informed by the Port Hope Area Initiative Management Office of an unplanned release of untreated water into Lake Ontario during construction activities at the Port Granby Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Facility. The impact to the environment is considered negligible, and there was no impact on workers and the public. CNSC staff will verify that all necessary corrective actions are carried out by CNL in order to prevent a similar occurrence.
Visit PHAI's website for more information.
2015
Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change
Date of event: April 29, 2015
Deloro closed mine site, Deloro, Ontario
The CNSC was informed by the Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC), in accordance with the regulations and their licence conditions, of an event at the closed Deloro mine site. As a result of cleanup work at the site, there was an unplanned release of construction wastewater due to the collapse of a temporary aqua barrier. The released wastewater was non-radiological and no impact to the environment is anticipated as a result of this event. A CNSC inspector and staff visited the site and were not satisfied with the MOECC's contingency plans to deal with the stability of aqua barriers. On June 5, the CNSC announced that it had issued an order to the MOECC to prevent a similar occurrence at the closed Deloro mine site. This event will be discussed at a public Commission meeting on June 17, 2015.
Read the MOECC's letter to key community stakeholders to learn more about the event and visit the MOECC website for information about the Deloro mine cleanup project.
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