Ontario Power Generation -Proposal to Construct and Operate New Nuclear Power Plant

Environmental assessment start date: May 17, 2007
Type: Review panel
CEAR reference number:  07-05-29525
Proponent: Ontario Power Generation
Location: Darlington Nuclear Site, Municipality of Clarington, Ontario

Latest Updates

• May 8, 2012: Environmental Assessment Course of Action Decision (Source: CEAA)
• View project milestones for the Darlington New Nuclear Power Plant project.

Project Description

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received a project description from Ontario Power Generation for the construction and operation of up to four new nuclear reactors at the Darlington nuclear site for the production of approximately 4,800 MWe of electrical generating capacity for supply to the Ontario grid.  The Darlington nuclear site is located in the Regional Municipality of Durham, Ontario.
 
The scope of Ontario Power Generation's proposal includes preparation of the site, construction and operation of the new nuclear power reactors. Operations would involve activities required to operate and maintain the new reactor units, including management of all conventional wastes, low, medium and high-level radioactive waste, and other hazardous wastes.  Ontario Power Generation is considering a range of reactor designs, but has not yet decided on a specific technology.

Under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), Ontario Power Generation's will require licences from CNSC for activities to be undertaken with respect to the project. Before the Commission can make licensing decisions for this proposal, an Environmental Assessment (EA) of the proposal must be completed in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). The purpose of an environmental assessment is to determine if the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, taking into account the available mitigation measures before any decision is taken by a federal authority that would allow the project to proceed. This project is of the type identified on the Comprehensive Study List Regulations.

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.

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