Independent Environmental Monitoring Program: BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. - Peterborough
| Facility name | BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. Peterborough |
|---|---|
| Licensee | BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc., formerly GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada |
| Site name | BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. Peterborough |
| Facility location | Peterborough, Ontario |
| Land acknowledgement | The CNSC acknowledges that BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. - Peterborough is situated on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and the traditional territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations. |
| Facility description | BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. began operations in 1955. The licensee operates 2 Class IB nuclear facilities under 2 site-specific licences to manufacture CANDU nuclear fuel bundles. These are for use at Ontario Power Generation’s Pickering and Darlington nuclear generating stations. Under a CNSC licence, the Peterborough facility manufactures nuclear fuel bundles, from uranium dioxide fuel pellets made in Toronto and zircalloy tubes manufactured in-house. This facility also uses beryllium as part of its operations involving the manufacture of zircalloy tubes. |
| Environmental protection requirements | In accordance with regulatory requirements under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, all Class I nuclear facilities and uranium mines and mills must maintain a comprehensive environmental protection program to monitor and control nuclear and hazardous substances released from the facilities they own and operate. As part of every licensee’s environmental protection program, concentrations of contaminants in the environment must be determined and the potential exposure pathways to the public must be assessed and mitigated. |
Our IEMP results from 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2024 are consistent with the results submitted by BWXT, supporting our assessment that the licensee’s environmental protection program is effective. The results add to the body of evidence that people and the environment in the vicinity of BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. - Peterborough are protected and that there are no anticipated health impacts from the operation of the facilities on the site.
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- Results: (2014, 2018 and 2019) (2020) (2021) (2024)
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BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. - Peterborough
1 The < symbol indicates that a result is below the provided laboratory analytical detection limit.
2 N/A – not available
3 For radiological parameters (expressed as Bq/L, Bq/kg or Bq/m3) where no federal or provincial guidelines exist, our screening levels were established based on conservative assumptions using CSA standard N288.1-20, Guidelines for Modelling Radionuclide Environmental Transport, Fate, and Exposure Associated with the Normal Operation of Nuclear Facilities. The screening level for a particular radionuclide in a particular medium (e.g., water, air, food) represents the activity concentration that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv/year, a dose at which no impacts on human health are expected. For more information, please refer to the IEMP technical information sheet.
4 For water samples, the results for non-radiological parameters are compared to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life. Where no CCME guidelines exist, Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality are used.
2024 results
The 2024 IEMP sampling plan for BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. - Peterborough focused on radioactive nuclear and hazardous substances. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on the licensee’s approved environmental monitoring program and our regulatory experience with the site. We endeavour to incorporate traditional Indigenous land use, values and knowledge by engaging with Indigenous Nations and communities on the sampling plan. More information on this engagement is provided in the “Indigenous Nations and communities’ participation” section.
In May 2024, we collected air, water, soil and food samples in publicly accessible areas outside the facility perimeter.
The levels of radioactivity and hazardous substances measured in air, water, soil and food samples were below available guidelines and our own screening levels. Our screening levels are based on conservative assumptions about the exposure that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv/year (10% of the regulatory public dose limit of 1 mSv/year).
2021 results
CNSC staff collecting water and soil samples near BWXT Peterborough 2019
The 2021 IEMP sampling plan for the BWXT Peterborough facility focused on both radioactive and hazardous substances. Uranium is both a radioactive substance (it decays at a slow rate by primarily emitting alpha radiation and, at lower levels, beta and gamma radiation) and a hazardous substance (since exposure to uranium can lead to chemical toxicity). Beryllium is a hazardous substance (can impact health if inhaled) used in the fuel bundle manufacturing process. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on the licensee’s approved environmental protection program and our regulatory experience with the site. We endeavour to incorporate traditional Indigenous land use, values and knowledge by engaging with Indigenous Nations and communities on the sampling plan. More information on this engagement is provided in the “Indigenous Nations and communities’ participation” section.
In 2021, we collected water, soil and air samples in publicly accessible areas outside the facility perimeter. The levels of uranium and beryllium measured in the samples were below available guidelines. Measurements conducted by the IEMP to date have consistently found levels of radioactivity in the environment to be low, and well within the range of natural background radiation levels. The concentrations of beryllium in soil collected around the BWXT Peterborough facility remain well below guidelines. As a result, no health or environmental impacts are expected at these concentrations.
2020
Further to the BWXT licence renewal hearing in March 2020, the CNSC conducted soil resampling for beryllium, as directed by the Commission, at sites adjacent to BWXT’s Peterborough facility. The soil samples were analyzed at the CNSC lab, and the results did not indicate any significant changes in concentrations of beryllium in the soil in Peterborough. The CNSC provided a supplemental submission on the resampling results for the Commission’s consideration in BWXT’s licence renewal request.
2014, 2018 and 2019 results
The IEMP sampling plans for BWXT Peterborough facility focused on both radioactive and hazardous substances, such as uranium and beryllium. Uranium is both a radioactive substance (it decays at a slow rate by emitting gamma radiation) and a hazardous substance (since exposure to uranium leads to chemical toxicity). Beryllium is a hazardous substance used in the fuel bundle manufacturing process. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on the licensee’s approved environmental monitoring program and the CNSC’s regulatory experience with the site. In July 2014, July 2018, and May 2019, CNSC staff collected air, soil, and water samples in areas outside the BWXT Peterborough site perimeter. The levels of uranium and beryllium measured in the samples were below available guidelines.
Indigenous Nations and communities’ participation
We have made it a priority to ensure that IEMP sampling reflects Indigenous traditional knowledge, land use and values, where possible. In addition to routine IEMP sampling activities, we seek input from local Indigenous Nations and communities on IEMP sampling plans. In advance of the 2024 IEMP sampling campaign around BWXT Peterborough, CNSC staff notified Indigenous Nations and communities near the facility of the planned sampling campaign, sought their input on the sampling plan and invited them to join CNSC staff in the field for sampling activities.
Hiawatha First Nation
Hiawatha First Nation joined the CNSC field team to collect samples. Participants assisted in the collection of water and soil samples. CNSC explained the program to participants, as well as chain of custody procedures for the collected samples. CNSC staff also walked participants through the air sampling process and equipment. Participants actively participated in the sampling. The CNSC is committed to working with Hiawatha First Nation to ensure that the IEMP reflects their Indigenous knowledge, land use and values, where possible.
Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation (MSIFN) reviewed the sampling plan in early 2024 and provided comments on species and locations of importance. CNSC staff considered MSIFN’s comments in the IEMP sampling plan, however, some of the specific vegetation samples MSIFN identified for study were not in season at the time of the campaign. CNSC staff and MSIFN discussed MSIFN’s vegetation sampling suggestions and concluded that it would be best to look for these items in Port Hope where there is more natural space. Three representatives from MSIFN joined the field team for sampling in Peterborough. The field team demonstrated sampling techniques as well as packaging and chain of custody procedures and explained the air, water, and soil sampling equipment. The CNSC is committed to working with MSIFN to ensure that the IEMP reflects their Indigenous knowledge, land use and values, where possible.
Curve Lake First Nation
Curve Lake First Nation (CLFN) joined the CNSC field team to collect samples. CLFN actively participated in the collection of soil samples. CNSC staff took care to explain each step of the program and process, including the chain-of-custody procedures for the collected samples. CNSC staff also walked CLFN through the air sampling process and equipment. CLFN had requested that CNSC staff test manoomin (wild rice) and sample collection took place by canoe on Chemong Lake in September 2024. Three representatives from CLFN guided CNSC staff on harvesting manoomin while explaining its history and significance. Following the sampling of manoomin, CLFN expressed further interest in the process and requested pictures of the manoomin in the testing lab, which was obliged. CNSC staff were appreciative of this opportunity, and are committed to working with CLFN to ensure that the IEMP reflects their Indigenous knowledge, land use and values, where possible.
Focus on health
We review the results of public health reports and data and international publications, and at times conduct our own health studies to provide additional confidence that the health of people living near the BWXT Peterborough facility is protected.
In 2021, in the Peterborough Public Health (PPH) region, mortality from avoidable causes (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, certain cancers) was similar to that of Ontario.
From 2016 to 2020, PPH had age-standardized cancer mortality rates higher than those of Ontario for bladder (males), colorectal, esophagus, lung, melanoma, and all cancers combined.
Like the general population of Ontario, the most diagnosed cancer types in PPH from 2016 to 2020 were breast (females), prostate (males), lung, and colorectal. During the 2016–20 period, PPH had a higher incidence rate than Ontario for all cancers combined. PPH had a significantly higher incidence of bladder, colorectal, esophagus (males only), kidney, lung, melanoma, and oral cavity and pharynx cancer compared to Ontario; whereas incidence rates for myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (males only), and thyroid cancer were lower in PPH compared to Ontario.
Other Ontario regions have similar cancer incidence profiles (e.g., Hastings and Prince Edward Counties, Simcoe Muskoka District, Thunder Bay District Health Unit). Cancers of the esophagus, lung, melanoma, and oral cavity and pharynx are considered preventable, and cancers of the head and neck, and lung are 2 of the most preventable in Canada.
Health data often varies by region, and the opportunity to be healthy is not the same for everyone; it is affected by personal, lifestyle, social, economic, environmental, and systemic factors. Drinking alcohol increases cancer risk, and tobacco smoking is a leading cause of cancer. From 2018 to 2020, alcohol consumption and smoking were higher among adults in PPH, compared to Ontario.
Health status data for Indigenous people residing on the two First Nations lands (Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation) are not reported, as PPH recognizes the rights of the Indigenous population to ownership and control over their own health data.
There are no specific studies on health effects from the presence of BWXT Peterborough; however, several studies have been conducted in Port Hope, Ontario, where the radium and uranium refining, processing, and fabrication industry has existed since 1932. In 2011, the CNSC used a weight-of-evidence approach to summarize the environmental and health studies conducted in the area and there was no evidence to suggest that the existence of nuclear facilities in Port Hope contributed to adverse health outcomes. A 2013 CNSC study examined mortality (1950–99) and cancer incidence (1969-99) among uranium and radium processing workers in Port Hope. Overall, workers had lower mortality and cancer incidence compared to the general Canadian population. These studies help inform the health of populations living near nuclear facilities, such as BWXT Peterborough.
Based on current levels of radionuclides in the environment, exposures to people living in the area, the current scientific knowledge about the sources, effects, and risks of ionizing radiation, and relevant local and provincial health data, CNSC staff concluded that the observed health outcomes in Peterborough are unlikely to be related to the presence of the BWXT Peterborough site.
For additional information, please visit the following websites:
Peterborough Public Health – Indigenous Public Health
Cancer Care Ontario – Statistical Reports
Cancer Care Ontario – Ontario Cancer Profiles – Cancer Mortality
Cancer Care Ontario – Ontario Cancer Profiles – Cancer Incidence
Cancer Care Ontario – Ontario Cancer Profiles – Cancer Risk Factors
Public Health Ontario – Potentially avoidable mortality snapshot
Public Health Ontario – Potentially avoidable mortality technical notes
Canadian Cancer Society – Prevention statistics
CNSC Health Studies page – lists multiple relevant CNSC, national, and international studies
United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) – scientific publications
We are grateful to PPH staff who reviewed this Focus on Health.
Conclusion
Our IEMP results from 2014, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2024 are consistent with the results submitted by BWXT, supporting our assessment that the licensee’s environmental protection program is effective. The results add to the body of evidence that people and the environment in the vicinity of the BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. - Peterborough are protected and that there are no anticipated health impacts from the operation of the facilities on the site.
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