Update on the near surface disposal facility project

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) has proposed the construction of a near surface disposal facility (NSDF) in Deep River, Ontario. The NSDF is an engineered facility designed to dispose of solid low-level radioactive waste generated by CNL. We will provide regular updates on the project as work continues on the environmental and licensing assessments.

Where we are now

We have prepared an environmental assessment report (EAR) and a licensing Commission member document (CMD) for the public Commission hearing on the NSDF. These documents summarize our technical assessments, findings, and recommendations to the Commission for decisions on the environmental assessment and licence application. They also provide information on Indigenous consultation and engagement as it relates to the CNSC’s duty to consult and accommodate under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The EAR and licensing CMD can be downloaded from our website.

Next steps

We will hold a 2-part public hearing, starting in February and continuing in May 2022, to consider CNL’s application for the construction of the proposed NSDF:

Commission hearing Part 1 – February 22, 2022: Presentations by CNSC staff and CNL

Commission hearing Part 2 – beginning May 31, 2022: Interventions from the public, Indigenous Nations and communities, and other stakeholders

The public hearing will be webcast live from our website. Participation by Indigenous Nations and communities and members of the public is important to the Commission hearing process. To get involved, please see the revised notice of public hearing issued on February 16, 2022. Requests to intervene must be submitted no later than April 11, 2022, using our Public Commission Hearing Participation Request form. Information on how to submit an intervention can be found in guidance document GD-379.

Outreach

We have launched a new NSDF landing page on our website. In addition, recordings of our webinars on the NSDF project and on other related issues are available on our YouTube channel.

To receive regular information from the CNSC, subscribe to receive our news. For updates on this project, email cnsc.info.ccsn@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca.