Construction and operation of additional low-level storage buildings at the Western Waste Management Facility

Environment assessment (EA) start date: September 8, 2003
Type: Screening
FEAI reference number: 39121
Proponent: Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
Location: Bruce Nuclear Power Development Site, Tiverton, Ontario

Latest update

• May 13, 2004 – EA decision by a designated officer – Having considered the screening report and comments filed from the public, the designated officer accepted that the project, taking into account the mitigation measures, will not cause significant adverse environmental effects and that public concerns do not warrant a reference to a mediator or review panel. The designated officer then rendered his decision in accordance with section 20(1)(a) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and directed Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) staff to proceed with the licensing process related to the project.
• April 30. 2004 – Request for public comment – Screening report - Additional low level storage buildings (LLSBs) at the Western Waste Management Facility on the Bruce Power Site – Comment period closed
• March 26, 2004 – Request for public comment – Screening Report – Additional low level storage buildings (LLSBs) at the Western Waste Management Facility on the Bruce Power Site

Project description

The CNSC has received a request for regulatory approval from Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to proceed with the construction and operation of three additional low-level storage buildings for storage of low-level radioactive wastes at its Western Waste Management Facility located on the Bruce Nuclear Power Development site, Tiverton, Ontario.

The purpose of the proposal is to provide the required additional storage capacity for low level radioactive wastes at the facility and does not alter the basic purpose and activities associated with the existing waste management facility. The additional storage capacity at the waste management facility will enable the generating facilities to continue operating as planned and currently approved. The proposed storage buildings would be located entirely within the boundaries of the waste management facility.

CNSC authorization of the project requires an amendment of the existing license by a designated officer pursuant to section 37(2)(d) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. Before CNSC’s designated officer makes its decision on OPG’s licence amendment application, an environmental assessment must be completed in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The purpose of an EA is to identify the possible environmental effects of a proposed project, and determine whether these effects can be mitigated before the project is allowed to proceed.

Steps ahead

• Development of EA guidelines (scope document)
• Review of EA study report
• Preparation of screening report
• Public consultation on screening report
• EA decision by designated officer

Further information

For questions or information related to this EA, please contact:

For questions or information directly related to the environmental assessment of this project, contact the CNSC.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment, and 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.