Joint review panel (JRP): Darlington new nuclear power plant
- Transcripts, audio recordings and webcasts
- Undertakings
- Joint Review Panel submits Environmental Assessment Report to Minister of the Environment
- Record of key dates: JRP Public Hearing
CNSC Correspondence with OPG on condenser cooling water option assessment for the Darlington new nuclear project
In August 2011, the joint review panel for the proposed Darlington new nuclear project (DNNP) recommended that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) require Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to undertake a formal, quantitative cost-benefit analysis for a cooling tower and once-through condenser cooling water systems, applying the principle of the best available technology economically achievable.
OPG completed an analysis comparing once-through cooling with mechanical draft cooling towers and has selected once-through cooling for the proposed DNNP.
At the request of OPG, CNSC staff reviewed the analysis and are of the opinion that the methodology used by OPG satisfies the joint review panel (JRP) recommendation. In addition, CNSC staff consider that there are no fundamental barriers to licensing a once-through cooling water system for the proposed DNNP, subject to the conditions outlined in a letter sent to OPG on March 28, 2013.
It is important to note that CNSC staff's review does not bind future decisions made by the Commission should an application for a licence to construct a nuclear power plant be received. These matters will be brought to the Commission's attention at an upcoming public meeting in August 2013.
CNSC issues a site preparation licence for OPG Darlington nuclear power plant project
On August 17, 2012, the JRP of the CNSC announced its decision to issue a nuclear power reactor site preparation licence to Ontario Power Generation Inc. (OPG) for its new nuclear power plant project at the Darlington nuclear site for a period of 10 years.
The JRP is satisfied that the licensee meets the requirements of section 24 of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, that OPG is qualified to carry out the activities that will be permitted under the licence, and that the health and safety of people and the environment will be protected.
This decision concludes the work of the Darlington JRP. The next step in the regulatory process will be the CNSC licensing decision phase to construct a nuclear power plant once OPG submits its application. The public will have an opportunity to comment on OPG's application to construct and subsequent application to operate at separate public hearings to be scheduled in the future.
Read the news release: The CNSC issues a site preparation licence for OPG Darlington nuclear Power plant project
Government accepts recommendations of JRP for Darlington new nuclear power plant project
On May 2, 2012, the Honourable Joe Oliver, Minister of Natural Resources, announced the Government of Canada's response to the recommendations made in the environmental assessment report of the JRP for the Darlington new nuclear power plant project. Taking into consideration the JRP's recommendations and the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, the Government has determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.
May 2, 2012, Press release (Source: Natural Resources Canada)
Government of Canada's response to the joint review panel report (Source: CEAA)
Final decision (Source: CEAA)
JRP submits environmental assessment report to Minister of the Environment
On August 25, 2011, the JRP for the DNNP submitted its environmental assessment report to the federal Minister of the Environment.
The report follows a review of the environmental impact statement prepared by OPG and a 17-day public hearing held in March and April 2011.
During the review, the JRP received submissions and heard presentations from OPG, Aboriginal groups, federal and provincial governments, local governments, environmental groups, individuals and organizations interested in the potential effects of the project.
- Read the summary report (PDF) (Source: CEAA)
- Read the full report (PDF) (Source: CEAA)
The JRP for the DNNP is an independent body, mandated by the Minister of the Environment and the President of the CNSC to assess the environmental effects of the proposed project and review the application for a licence to prepare a site.
JRP public hearing: March 21 – April 8, 2011
On October 30, 2009, a three-member JRP was established for the proposed Darlington new nuclear power plant project located at the existing Darlington nuclear site in the municipality of Clarington, Ontario.
The public hearing began on March 21, 2011 in the Municipality of Clarington and was adjourned April 8, 2011. The hearing was held at Hope Fellowship Church at 1685 Bloor Street in Courtice, Ontario.
Undertakings
The JRP has the option of asking for clarification or additional information on any given subject discussed at the hearing. These requests are assigned as undertakings to the proponent, the CNSC, other government departments or intervenors who must then submit the information as per an agreed upon deadline.
Record of key dates: JRP public hearing
- JRP submits environmental assessment report to Minister of the Environment: August 25, 2011
- Close of record: June 3, 2011
- Deadline for written final comments (participants): May 17, 2011
- Deadline for written final comments (OPG): May 22, 2011
- Deadline for registering to participate: January 13, 2011
- Deadline for government participants filing written submissions: January 31, 2011
- Deadline for all other written submissions: February 21, 2011
- Deadline for submission of presentation materials: March 9, 2011
- Deadline for providing request for consideration of a procedural matter: March 14, 2011
- The public hearing for the Darlington new nuclear power plant project will begin on March 21, 2011
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