Independent Environmental Monitoring Program: Chalk River Laboratories
| Site name | Chalk River Laboratories |
| Licensee | Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) |
| Facility name | Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) |
| Facility location | Chalk River, Ontario |
| Land Acknowledgement | The CNSC acknowledges that the Chalk River Laboratories is located within the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg Peoples. |
| Facility description | CRL operates under a single CNSC licence that includes Class I and Class II nuclear facilities, waste management areas, radioisotope laboratories, support facilities and offices. |
| Environmental Protection Requirements | In accordance with regulatory requirements under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, all licensees 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 routes to the public must be assessed and mitigated. |
IEMP results from 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2022 are consistent with the environmental and effluent monitoring results submitted by CNL, 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 Chalk River Laboratories are protected and that there are no anticipated health impacts from the operation of the facilities on the site.
On this page
- Interactive map
- Data table (Download CSV – 117 kb)
- Background
- Results: (2022) (2019) (2015, 2013 and 2012)
- Indigenous Nations and Communities’ Participation
- Focus on health
- Conclusions
- Related Links
Legend
Chalk River Laboratories
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 N288.1-14, Guidelines for Calculating Derived Release Limits for Radioactive Material in Airborne and Liquid Effluents for 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 (millisieverts per year), a dose at which no impacts on human health are expected. For more information, please refer to the IEMP technical information sheet.
4 Tritiated water (HTO) is a radioactive form of water where the usual hydrogen atoms in water (H2O) are replaced with tritium. Elemental tritium (HT) refers to the radioactive form of hydrogen gas. Organically bound tritium (OBT) is tritium that is bound to an organic molecule, such as a carbohydrate, fat, or protein.
5 For water samples, the results for non-radiological parameters are compared to Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life. Where no CCME guidelines exist, the Health Canada Drinking Water Quality Guidelines are used.
Background
Under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, licensees of nuclear facilities are required to implement environmental monitoring programs to demonstrate that the public and the environment are protected from emissions related to the facilities’ activities. The results of these monitoring programs are submitted to the CNSC, which verifies and ensures compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
The CNSC has implemented its IEMP to independently verify that the public and the environment around the licensed nuclear facilities are protected. The IEMP is separate from, but complementary to, the CNSC’s ongoing compliance verification program. The IEMP involves taking samples from publicly accessible areas around the facilities, and measuring and analyzing the amount of radioactive (nuclear) and hazardous substances in those samples. CNSC staff collect the samples and send them to the CNSC’s independent laboratory for testing and analysis. CNSC conducted IEMP sampling campaign around Chalk River Laboratories in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2019.
2022 Results
The 2022 IEMP sampling plan for the Chalk River Laboratories focused on radioactive substances. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on the licensee’s approved environmental monitoring program and CNSC’s regulatory experience with the site. We endeavor 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 September 2022, we collected air, water, soil, sediment, sand, vegetation and food samples in publicly accessible areas outside the facility perimeter.
The levels of radioactivity measured in soil, sediment and water were below the available guidelines and CNSC screening levels. CNSC screening levels are based on conservative assumptions about the exposure that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv per year (one-tenth of the regulatory public dose limit of 1 mSv per year). For samples where no guidelines or screening levels exist, results were compared to reference Footnote 1 samples. 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. As a result, no effects on human health are expected.
2019 results
The 2019 IEMP sampling plan for the CRL site focused on both radioactive (nuclear) and hazardous contaminants. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on CNL’s environmental monitoring program and the CNSC’s regulatory experience with the site. In 2019, samples were collected in publicly accessible areas outside the CRL site perimeter and included air, water, soil, beach sand, wild vegetation, grass, and food such as goat, radishes, kale, tomatoes and cucumbers.
The concentrations of radioactive contaminants measured in air, beach sand, food, soil, vegetation and water were below CNSC screening levels and within the range of expected natural background levels. CNSC screening levels are based on conservative assumptions about the exposure that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv/year. No health impacts are expected at this dose level.
Similar to previous years’ results, the concentration of iron (Fe) in the water sample (CR09-W05) exceeded the CCME’s Canadian water quality guidelines (300 ug/L), but remained within the range of natural background levels (100–2170 µg/L). It should be noted that the CCME value for iron is based on objectionable water taste, and staining of plumbing and laundry, as opposed to health concerns. The IEMP data with elevated levels of iron occurred in Black Duck Lake, adjacent to Deep River. These results are not reflective of activities at the CRL site, and are deemed to be associated with natural concentrationsi, as elevated levels of iron are characteristic of this type of water body (swamp) or other local activities such as those that used to take place on the nearby trail, which was historically a railway track.
The IEMP results for calcium (8.6 mg/L) reported at CR09-W05 are well below the water hardness background level (41 mg/L) reported by CNL. Furthermore, the IEMP results for uranium in beach sand (0.33–0.62 mg/kg) were comparable to the range of values obtained at the reference site upstream beaches in Deep River and Cook’s Cove. The measured uranium concentrations in beach sand are indistinguishable from background levelsii and do not pose any added risks to human health or the environment.
2015, 2013, and 2012 results
IEMP sampling at the CRL site for 2012, 2013 and 2015 focused on both radioactive (nuclear) and hazardous substances. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on CNL’s environmental monitoring program and the CNSC’s regulatory experience with the site. In 2015, 2013, and 2012, samples were collected in publicly accessible areas outside the CNL perimeter fence and included samples of air, beach sand, food, sediment, soil, vegetation and water.
The concentrations of radioactive contaminants measured in air, beach sand, foodstuffs, soil, vegetation and water were below CNSC screening levels and within natural background levels. CNSC screening levels are based on conservative assumptions about the exposure that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv/year. No health impacts are expected at this dose level.
The concentration of hazardous contaminants in air, beach sand, sediment, soil and water were, in general, below or close to the CCME’s guidelines and the natural background levels. No health or environmental impacts are expected at these levels.
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 our IEMP sampling plans.
In advance of the 2022 IEMP sampling campaign at Chalk River Laboratories, notification emails were sent to Indigenous Nations and communities near the facility to notify them of the sampling campaign and to seek input on the sampling plan. We invited suggestions for species of interest, valued components, and potential sampling locations where traditional practices and activities may take place.
KZA
Representatives from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg (KZA) joined the field team and participated in sampling in August 2022. The sampling team and KZA representatives along with Nagadjitodjig Aki Guardians discussed the IEMP and related aspects of the CNSC’s Environmental Protection Framework. The sampling team demonstrated sampling techniques as well as packaging and chain of custody procedures. KZA participants helped to gather samples of water, soil and sand and provided information and knowledge about the sampling areas.
Curve Lake
A Curve Lake First Nation (CLFN) representative joined the field team and participated in sampling in August 2022. The sampling team and CLFN representative discussed the IEMP and walked through demonstrations of sampling techniques as well as packaging and chain of custody procedures. The CLFN representative helped to gather food samples at local farms around Chalk River.
MNO
Representatives from Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) Regions 5 and 6 joined the field team and participated in sampling in August 2022. The sampling team and MNO representatives discussed the IEMP and related aspects of the CNSC’s Environmental Protection Framework. The sampling team demonstrated sampling techniques as well as packaging and chain of custody procedures. MNO participants helped to gather samples of water, soil, sand and vegetation.
AOO
The Algonquins of Ontario (AOO) reviewed the sampling plan over the winter of 2021-2022 and identified several locations and species of interest. In August 2022, a representative from the AOO joined the sampling team and helped CNSC staff obtain these samples which included cat tail roots, Old Man’s Beard, white pine, wintergreen and balsam fir. The sampling team and the AOO representative discussed the IEMP and walked through demonstrations of sampling techniques for water, sand and soil as well as packaging and chain of custody procedures.
AOPFN
The Algonquins of Pikwakanagan (AOPFN) reviewed the sampling plan over the winter of 2021-2022 and provided comments, including identifying several locations and species of importance. A representative from AOPFN joined the sampling team in August 2022 and worked with CNSC staff to obtain samples of traditional plants such as white pine, wintergreen and balsam fir. The sampling team and AOPFN representative discussed the IEMP and walked through demonstrations of sampling techniques for water, sand and soil as well as packaging and chain of custody procedures.
We will continue to engage with interested Indigenous Nations and communities to ensure that IEMP sampling incorporates Indigenous knowledge in future sampling.
Focus on health
CNSC staff review the results of public health reports and data, international publications, and at times conduct our own health studies to provide further independent verification that the health of people in and around the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) site is protected.
The Renfrew County and District (RCD) Health Unit, Public Health Ontario and Cancer Care Ontario monitor the health of populations, including those living near the CRL site. Disease rates are compared to other similar populations’ (or larger reference populations, such as Ontario) to detect any potential health outcomes that may be of concern.
When comparing males and females in RCD, in general, cancer incidence (new cases) and mortality (death) rates were higher among males. Like the rest of Ontario, the most common types of cancer in RCD are breast cancer (females), prostate cancer (males), lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Based on health data from 2014–2018, RCD had significantly higher incidence rates of lung, colorectal, and cervical cancer compared to the Ontario averages, for each of those cancer types. From 2014–2018, for all cancers and both sexes combined, the incidence rate in RCD was like the Ontario average. For that same period, cancer mortality was significantly higher than the Ontario average, but the same as other rural regions with similar populations (e.g., North Bay Parry Sound District, Algoma, Chatham-Kent). This suggests that the cancer burden in RCD is more likely due to lifestyle, behaviour, and other factors, rather than the very low environmental radiation exposures from CRL.
Certain lifestyles and behaviours can increase one’s risk of getting cancer. Risk factors for cancer such as smoking, high alcohol intake, and obesity are higher among RCD adults compared to the Ontario average. Screening for certain cancers (e.g., breast, colorectal, cervical) can help reduce the burden of these cancers through early diagnosis and treatment. The HPV vaccine can also help reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Other factors such as low income, education, employment, and social support can impact health. According to the RCD’s 2018 report on health inequities, residents living in geographic areas that are more negatively affected by these factors have a four and a half times higher risk of death (from all causes) and a three times higher risk of cancer death, compared to residents living in areas without these factors. It is recognized that the opportunity to be healthy is not the same for everyone, and is affected by social, economic, and environmental circumstances. The RCD Health Unit is mandated to play a role in improving health equity (RDCHU, 2018).
Health status data for Indigenous people are not reported separately by the RCD Health Unit. Although there is no cancer data specific to Indigenous people in RCD, according to Cancer Care Ontario, First Nations people living in Ontario have a higher incidence of lung (females), colorectal, kidney, cervical and liver cancers than other people in Ontario. Cancer mortality is also significantly higher in First Nations people than in other people in Ontario.
Based on current radiation levels, and relevant local health data, CNSC staff have not observed and do not expect to observe any adverse health outcomes related to the presence of the Chalk River Laboratories. Access our library of health studies and third-party research.
If you would like more general health information and data for your community, please visit the following websites:
https://www.rcdhu.com/reports/
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/statistical-reports
https://profiles.cancercare.on.ca/Incidence/atlas.html?date=2018
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/data-and-analysis/commonly-used-products/snapshots
Conclusions
IEMP results from 2012, 2013. 2015, 2019 and 2022 remained consistent with the environmental and effluent monitoring results submitted by CNL, supporting CNSC’s 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 Chalk River Laboratories are protected and that there are no anticipated health impacts from the operation of the facilities on the site.
Related links
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