Cigar Lake Water Inflow Management Project

Environmental assessment Start date: January 21, 2009
Type:  Screening
CEAR reference number: 09-01-46666
Proponent:  Cameco Corporation
Location:  Waterbury Lake, Saskatchewan

Latest Update

• June 28, 2011: Record of Proceedings - Cameco Corporation -  Environmental Assessment Screening Report for the Cigar Lake Water Inflow Management Project (PDF)
• February 18, 2011: Request for Public Comment - federal Draft Environmental Assessment Screening Report, Environmental Impact Statement and provincial Technical Review Comments (PDF)
• April 22, 2010: Final Project-Specific Guidelines
• December 23, 2009: Record of Proceedings - Cameco Corporation - Environmental Assessment Guidelines (Scope of Project and Assessment) for the Proposed Cigar Lake Water Inflow Management Project (PDF)

Project Description

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received notice of intent and a project description from Cameco Corporation (Cameco) for an approval to modify the current water inflow management system to handle increased quantities of water inflow at the Cigar Lake mine, Saskatchewan.

The proposed Water Inflow Management Project would increase the mine’s water-handling capabilities for future routine and potential non-routine inflows.  The Project includes modifications to the current water handling and effluent treatment release facilities (e.g., upgrading and installation of pumps, installation of a pump house, and associated piping) and the construction and use of two new pipelines that will deliver treated water to Seru Bay.  These modifications would result in a change in the point of effluent discharge from Aline Lake, to Seru Bay and an increase in discharge capacity. 

CNSC authorization to modify the current water inflow management system at the Cigar Lake mine requires an approval to Cameco’s Uranium Mine Construction Licence, pursuant to subsection 24(2) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA).

Before the Commission may consider a decision on licensing under the NSCA regarding Cameco’s proposal, a screening level environmental assessment (EA) 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. 

Further Information

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.