Decommissioning of the Dalhousie University, SLOWPOKE-2 Reactor Facility

Start date: May 31, 2005
Type: Screening
CEAR reference number: 05-01-12199
Proponent: Dalhousie University
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Latest Update

• January 20, 2011 - Record of Proceedings - Dalhousie University - Environmental Assessment Screening Regarding the Proposal to Decommission the Dalhousie University SLOWPOKE-2 Reactor Facility in Halifax, Nova Scotia
• October 29, 2010 - Request for Public Comment - Draft Environmental Assessment Screening Report
• March 24, 2009 - CNSC Announces Decision on the Environmental Assessment Guidelines for the Proposal to Decommission the Dalhousie University SLOWPOKE-2 Reactor in Halifax, Nova Scotia
• November 24, 2008 - Request for Public Comment - Draft Environmental Assessment Guidelines

Project Description

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received a letter of intent from Dalhousie University to decommission the Safe Low Power Critical Experiment (SLOWPOKE-2) Reactor Facility. The decommissioning of the reactor, if approved, would be licensed by CNSC with a Decommissioning Licence, to be issued pursuant to paragraph 24(2) or the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA).

The SLOWPOKE-2 reactor is a 20 kilowatt (thermal) sealed-container, in-pool type research reactor. The reactor is located on the Studley campus of Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia. The University intends to decommission the SLOWPOKE-2 Reactor Facility once the reactor has been shut down and de-fuelled. The decommissioning of the reactor would include the site preparation, reactor dismantling, packaging and shipping of the parts to a licensed waste facility.

Before the Commission makes its decision on Dalhousie University's application for the proposed decommissioning of the reactor facility, a screening 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.

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, 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.