Overview of the Independent Environmental Monitoring Program

The Independent Environmental Monitoring Program (IEMP) is a Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) environmental sampling initiative designed to provide additional confidence that public health and the environment in areas around licensed nuclear facilities are protected. The IEMP applies to Class I facilities, representing all areas of the nuclear fuel cycle: uranium mines and mills, processing facilities, power plants, research reactors and waste management facilities.

The objective of the IEMP is to build Indigenous and public trust in our regulation of the nuclear industry, through an independent, technical and accessible environmental sampling program. The IEMP is separate from, but complementary to, our existing compliance verification program, which ensures that licensees' environmental protection programs are working.

How the IEMP works

Our staff take samples from public areas around nuclear facilities, such as parks, farmland and beaches. Samples may be taken from the air, water, soil, sediment, vegetation, or local food like meat or vegetables.

The samples are tested for contaminants at our state-of-the-art laboratory and are analyzed using industry best practices. We compare the measured contaminant levels to relevant guidelines on safe levels in the environment. We also compare the contaminant levels to natural background levels – that is, radiation naturally present in the environment. We then publish the data on a user-friendly, interactive page on our website.

What the IEMP monitors

We look for contaminants related to a facility's operation and releases. Some of these contaminants are radiological, meaning that they release radiation. For instance, as part of our program, we measure tritium and other radioactive elements, such as uranium, iodine and cesium. We also monitor hazardous substances, meaning substances that do not release radiation but that may still cause harm. For example, we may monitor substances such as metals and pH levels.

Priority-based sampling frequency

To decide on which facilities to visit each year, the IEMP applies a baseline 10-year plan, developed using a priority-based sampling frequency. Within the first few years of the IEMP, a facility is sampled 3 times so that we can collect enough information to be able to demonstrate the continued protection of the environment. After this initial period, the frequency of sampling is based on a facility’s priority. For example, high-priority facilities are sampled 4 times every 10 years, whereas low-priority facilities are sampled 2 times every 10 years. Other factors that influence the IEMP schedule include upcoming licensing hearings, instructions issued by the Commission, public and Indigenous concerns about a facility, monitoring results from previous years, and laboratory capacity to store and process samples.

Sampling in publicly accessible areas

The IEMP examines the environment outside licenced facilities, in publicly accessible areas beyond the fence perimeter.

In contrast, the environment within the boundaries of a licensed facility is monitored as part of our regulatory compliance verification activities. For example, as part of inspection activities, inspectors may take samples onsite, such as effluent samples, or soil samples if there has been a spill. The facility’s operators also monitor the area within the facility boundaries.

Licensees’ environmental monitoring responsibilities

Licensees are responsible for their own environmental monitoring programs. They regularly submit their monitoring results to us so that we can ensure that they are incompliance with guidelines and limits, in line with the regulations that govern Canada's nuclear industry. As part of our regulatory oversight, we also conduct extensive compliance verification activities, including reviews of licensee environmental protection programs to make sure that they are adequate, as well as regular inspections to ensure that the programs are being carried out properly.

Variations between CNSC and licensee results

Variations between our sampling results and those of the licensee could occur for several reasons. For instance, laboratory analysis methods may be different, even if both are valid. In addition, certain elements in soil and water vary naturally from one location to another. In fact, the only way 2 samples could ever be identical would be to sample the same material from the same location at the same time and analyze both in the same laboratory using the same methods.

That said, licensee data is still considered when assessing IEMP results. If the IEMP sample result is significantly above the range reported by the licensee and has a potential for risk, we will investigate further, taking the necessary action to protect public health and the environment.

Maintaining public confidence in the safety of nuclear facilities and in the protection of the environment

IEMP sampling provides a snapshot in time of the contaminants in the environment surrounding a facility. Our staff compare the measured contaminant levels of the samples to relevant guidelines on safe levels in the environment. Our staff also compare the contaminant levels to available natural background levels – that is, radiation naturally present in the environment. Based on results to date, the concentrations of radioactivity (or nuclear substances) measured as part of the IEMP are confirmed to be well below levels at which health effects can be observed.

Indigenous engagement in the IEMP

The IEMP is part of many Indigenous Nations and communities’ terms of reference with the CNSC and is on the agenda of monthly or quarterly meetings. Our IEMP team works with Indigenous Nations and communities to provide meaningful results and works to build trusting relationships through meetings, workshops, walking the lands, and hands-on sampling with traditional knowledge holders.

Before an upcoming IEMP sampling campaign, nearby Indigenous Nations and communities are invited to discuss the IEMP, the sampling plan and the results; to contribute to the plan; and to join the sampling team in the field. By collaborating with the IEMP team, Indigenous Nations and communities can review and comment on the sampling plan and offer suggestions on locations of interest or concern and on the types of media to sample, such as medicinal and traditional plants or traditional foods.

Public information and transparency

Before IEMP sampling begins, we send out notifications to inform the licensee, the municipality and nearby Indigenous Nations and communities of the upcoming IEMP campaign. The public is also informed through our social media accounts. IEMP results are included in the environmental protection review reports, prepared under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, and in our regulatory oversight reports. These reports are available on our website and on the Open Government Portal.

To submit feedback or comments on the IEMP:

• Email: cnsc.info.ccsn@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
• Call: 613-947-7516 or 1-800-668-5284 (toll-free in Canada and the US)