Environmental protection reviews

An environmental protection review is a science-based technical assessment conducted by CNSC staff, as required by the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. These reviews assess whether an applicant or licensee will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment and the health and safety of persons.

These reviews are based on:

• information that the applicant or licensee submits to the CNSC, such as licence applications and supporting documentation that outline environmental protection measures
• compliance and technical assessment activities completed by CNSC staff, such as reviews of environmental monitoring data and environmental risk assessments
• independent verification activities, such as the CNSC’s Independent Environmental Monitoring Program, relevant regional health studies, monitoring programs and Indigenous knowledge studies

Environmental protection review reports are considered by the independent Commission as part its decision-making of licensing and are made available to the public in the form of hearing documents.

Starting in 2021, the CNSC will start a new approach for publishing environmental protection review reports. These will be published on a regular cycle, separate from a specific licensing decision, with summaries posted on this website and full reports appearing on Canada’s Open Government Portal. The report for the Blind River Refinery is the first to be published in this refreshed format and is available below.

Need help or have questions? Contact us at ea-ee@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca.