Decommissioning of a pool test reactor at Chalk River Laboratories

Start date: September 13, 2004
Type: Screening
CEAR reference number: 04-01-6315
Proponent: Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL)
Location: Chalk River, Ontario

Latest update

• February 7, 2007 - Panel of the Commission
• October 27, 2006 - Request for Public Comment - Draft Screening Report - Comment Period Closed
• September 25, 2006 - Request for public comment - Draft Screening Report
• July, 2005 - Environmental Assessment Guidelines issued by CNSC

Project Description

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received an application from AECL for authorization to decommission a pool test reactor (Ptr) located at the Chalk River Laboratories. This authorization would require an amendment to AECL’s operating licence pursuant to section 24 of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA). The reactor is a Class IA nuclear facility under the Class I Nuclear Facilities Regulations.

The Ptr was a low-power research reactor (less than 100 W) designed and built to conduct reactivity studies. It began operating in 1957 and was permanently shut-down in 1990. Decommissioning activities to be carried out include the removal of remaining Ptr systems, draining and drying of pool and segregation and transfer of all wastes for storage or disposal.

Before the Commission makes its decision on AECL’s application, an environmental assessment must be completed in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The purpose of an environmental assessment is to identify the possible environmental effects of a proposed project, and to determine whether these effects can be mitigated before the project is allowed to proceed.

Steps ahead

• EA decision by Commission

Further Information

CNSC maintains a public registry of documents related to its Environmental Assessments. Lists and copies of documents may be obtained upon request. For questions or information directly related to this environmental assessment, please contact:

The CNSC maintains a public registry of documents related to its environmental assessments. Lists and copies of documents may be obtained upon request. For questions or information directly related to this environmental assessment, contact the CNSC.

CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.