Uranium Enrichment and Fuel Fabrication - Current Issues (Canada) 
(last updated 13 Nov 2008)
Contents:
> See also Current Issues for
> See also directory of World Nuclear Fuel Facilities
A new, 12-person group has been created to advise the provincial government on the development of the nuclear industry in Saskatchewan.
The Uranium Development Partnership includes leaders of companies with vested interests in Saskatchewan's uranium, including Jerry Grandey, the president and CEO of Cameco Corp.; Armand Laferrere, president and CEO of Areva Canada; and Duncan Hawthorne, president and CEO of Bruce Power Inc. which is currently conducting its own feasibility study into building a nuclear power plant in the province.
The group also includes representatives from the First Nations community and urban and rural municipalities as well as nuclear physicists and environmentally-minded nuclear researchers.
The Uranium Development Partnership will receive up to $3 million in funding from the Crown Investments Corporation.
The team will provide a final report to the government, including recommendations on value-added opportunities best suited to the development of Saskatchewan's uranium industry, by March 31, 2009.
(Saskatoon Star Phoenix 20 Oct 2008)
Air transport of MOX approved
On Sep 21, 2000, Transport Canada approved the air transport of MOX fuel samples from Russia to Canada.
> view Transport Canada website 
Emergency response assistance plan (ERAP) open for public comment
Transport Canada has received, from the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) , an application for approval of an emergency response assistance plan (ERAP) covering the importation into Canada by air from Russia of approximately 15 kg of MOX fuel containing 528 grams of weapons-derived plutonium dioxide.
AECL is planning to transport the Russian fuel to Canada by chartered aircraft from Russia, transiting via a military airport in either Trenton Ontario or Bagotville Quebec en-route to the Chalk River Laboratories site in Chalk River, Ontario. The MOX fuel is planned to be transported from the military airport directly to Chalk River by helicopter.
Transport Canada will accept comments on the proposed emergency response assistance plan until August 25, 2000.
The ERAP is available for download at the Transport Canada website
On June 28, 2007, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision to issue to GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. (GE-Hitachi) a new Fuel Facility Operating Licence FFOL-3622.0/2010 for GE-Hitachi's facility located in Toronto, Ontario. The licence is valid from June 4, 2007 until December 31, 2010, unless suspended, amended, revoked or replaced. Concurrently, the Commission revoked Fuel Facility Operating Licence FFOL-3622.0/2010 for General Electric Canada Company Inc. (GE Canada)'s Toronto facility, pursuant to section 24 of the NSCA.
In its news release, CNSC says that the decision was taken "Following a public hearing held on May 16, 2007". However, in the Record of Decision, they concede that "... a standing panel on procedural matters determined that it was not necessary to hold a public hearing on the matter, and the hearing was conducted by a panel of one Commission member, based on written submissions."
> Download Notice of Public Hearing NEVER ISSUED
> Download Hearing Transcript May 16, 2007 (PDF) WITHHELD
> View CNSC release June 28, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision, May 16, 2007 (PDF)
On Dec. 30, 2005, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) after holding two public hearings (September 14, and December 1, 2005) approved applications by General Electric Canada, Toronto, Ontario for the renewal of the operating licences for two nuclear fuel fabrication facilities. The facilities are located in Toronto and Peterborough, Ontario.
> Download Notice of Public Hearing, June 10, 2005 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Sep. 14, 2005 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Dec. 1, 2005 (PDF)
> View CNSC release Dec. 30, 2005
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, Dec. 30, 2005 (PDF)
Aerial view: Google Maps 
GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. request to include in its current operating licence the maintenance and repair activities it carries out as a Class lB licensee
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will hold a hearing on August 29, 2008 to consider an application by GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada Inc.'s (GEH-C) to amend its operating licence for its Class 1B facility located in Peterborough, Ontario.
The Commission has determined that a public hearing is not necessary to consider GEH-C's application in this case. The hearing will be conducted by way of written submissions.
> Download Notice of Hearing Aug. 29, 2008 (PDF)
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will hold a one-day hearing to consider the Environmental Assessment (EA) Guidelines regarding GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada Inc.'s (GE-Hitachi) proposal to manufacture low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel bundles at its facility located in Peterborough, Ontario.
The Commission has decided that a public hearing is not necessary to consider the draft EA Guidelines.
> Download Notice of Hearing July 23, 2008 (PDF)
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received notice of intent and a project description from GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada (GE-Hitachi) for a licence amendment to manufacture low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel bundles at its Peterborough facility. CNSC invites public comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) Guidelines for the proposal.
Written comments should be submitted by February 22, 2008.
> View Request for Public Comment - Draft Environmental Assessment Guidelines, Jan. 25, 2008 (CNSC)
The GE-Hitachi Peterborough facility is currently licensed to produce fuel bundles consisting of natural uranium. GE-Hitachi proposes to manufacture LEU fuel bundles of enrichment of less than 5% U-235 by weight, using uranium dioxide pellets manufactured in North Carolina. The project includes the addition of new equipment to support an LEU manufacturing line, including a LEU pellet receipt area, a LEU fuel bundle production area, and a LEU fuel bundle storage area.
An environmental assessment was started on June 6, 2007.
> View Project description (CNSC)
On June 28, 2007, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision to issue to GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. (GE-Hitachi) new Fuel Facility Operating Licences FFOL-3621.0/2010 for GE-Hitachi's facility located in Peterborough, Ontario. The licence is valid from June 4, 2007 until December 31, 2010, unless suspended, amended, revoked or replaced. Concurrently, the Commission revoked Fuel Facility Operating Licence FFOL-3621.0/2010 for General Electric Canada Company Inc. (GE Canada)'s Peterborough facility, pursuant to section 24 of the NSCA.
In its news release, CNSC says that the decision was taken "Following a public hearing held on May 16, 2007". However, in the Record of Decision, they concede that "... a standing panel on procedural matters determined that it was not necessary to hold a public hearing on the matter, and the hearing was conducted by a panel of one Commission member, based on written submissions."
> Download Notice of Public Hearing NEVER ISSUED
> Download Hearing Transcript May 16, 2007 (PDF) WITHHELD
> View CNSC release June 28, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision, May 16, 2007 (PDF)
On Dec. 30, 2005, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) after holding two public hearings (September 14, and December 1, 2005) approved applications by General Electric Canada, Toronto, Ontario for the renewal of the operating licences for two nuclear fuel fabrication facilities. The facilities are located in Toronto and Peterborough, Ontario.
> Download Notice of Public Hearing, June 10, 2005 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Sep. 14, 2005 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Dec. 1, 2005 (PDF)
> View CNSC release Dec. 30, 2005
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, Dec. 30, 2005 (PDF)
"NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS, July 26, 2000 Ref. 2000-H-3
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announces public hearings on licensing actions for the following nuclear facilities:
Two-day public hearings, to be held on October 5, 2000 and December 13, 2000 for:
- GE Canada Inc., Peterborough, Ontario:
Application for the renewal of the fuel facility operating licence;
- GE Canada Inc., Toronto, Ontario:
Application for the renewal of the fuel facility operating licence;
- SRB Technologies Inc., Pembroke, Ontario:
Application for an operating licence for the nuclear substance processing facility.
Hearings will be held in the CNSC Public Hearing Room, 14th floor, 280 Slater Street, Ottawa, Ontario beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Presentations by applicants and CNSC staff on the above applications will be heard by the Commission on October 5. Written submissions from applicants and Commission staff are due by September 5, and will be available on request after that date.
Written submissions and presentations from intervenors will be considered on December 13. CNSC staff and applicant representatives will also be present. Requests to intervene before the Commission with respect to the GE Canada and SRB Technologies licensing applications are due by November 13. Requests from intervenors who prefer to appear before the Commission on October 5 must be received by September 5 [...]."
> Download full NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS (PDF)
> View Cameco Port Hope page
> View Cameco Port Hope Community page
Cameco plans temporary shutdown of Port Hope conversion plant for poor economics
Cameco anticipates the UF6 (uranium hexafluoride) building is expected to close in December 2008 until at least mid-summer 2009.
The closure is blamed on the high cost of hydrofluoric acid (HF) and plummeting sales.
(Northumberland Today Nov. 13, 2008)
In a letter to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), Cameco Corporation (Cameco) proposed the "Vision 2010" project, which involves a comprehensive redevelopment of its Port Hope Conversion Facility located in Port Hope, Ontario.
The project consists of decommissioning and demolishing approximately 20 old or underutilized buildings, removing contaminated soils, building materials and stored historical wastes, and constructing new replacement buildings. On-site plant operations would be maintained while the works are being carried out.
> View "Vision 2010" website (Cameco)
> Download Project Description, June 2006 (1.9M PDF - Cameco)
> View Cameco Corporation Vision 2010 decommissioning project (CNSC)
> View Cameco Corporation Vision 2010 Decommissioning Project (CEAA)
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) invites public comment on the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) Guidelines for the project.
The public comment period closes on April 11, 2008.
The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) is making available $40,000 under its participant funding program to assist groups and/or individuals to take part in the environmental assessment of this proposed project.
Funding applications received by the Agency by April 11, 2008 will be considered.
> View Request for Public Comment on Draft Environmental Assessment Guidelines / Participant Funding Availability Proposed Cameco Corporation Vision 2010 Decommissioning Project, March 5, 2008 (CNSC)
> Download Draft EA Guidelines (Scope of Project and Assessment), March 5, 2008 (502k PDF - CEAA)
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will hold a one-day public hearing (November 6, 2008 - date revised) to consider the Environmental Assessment Track Report (Track Report) regarding Cameco Corporation's (Cameco) proposal for the Vision 2010 project, which involves a comprehensive redevelopment of its Port Hope Conversion Facility located in Port Hope, Ontario. The Commission will also consider the Proposed Environmental Assessment Guidelines (EA Guidelines).
Requests to intervene must be filed by September 8, 2008.
> Download Revised Notice of Public Hearing, Sep 25, 2008 (PDF)
Cameco suspends operation of Port Hope conversion plant, after contaminants found in subsoil
On July 20, 2007, Cameco Corporation reported that during a construction project it discovered uranium and evidence of other production-associated chemicals in the soil beneath its Port Hope uranium hexafluoride (UF6) conversion plant. The affected area "appears to be" within, and near, the perimeter walls of the UF6 plant based on the preliminary information available at this time. The chemicals are in a contained area so public health and worker safety are not affected.
Due to the nature of soil at the plant, Cameco expects the ground water flow rate, with the chemicals, to average approximately 40 to 60 metres each year. The perimeter of the plant is about 70 metres from the edge of the property. Cameco has monitoring wells around the property to detect chemicals in the area. These wells are checked quarterly and reported to the regulator annually. The last scheduled samples were taken in April and did not indicate potential issues. Cameco has arranged for additional samples to be taken.
Cameco has suspended operations at the UF6 conversion plant, and full production of UF6 will likely be suspended for a minimum of two months until Cameco has determined the source of the chemicals and developed appropriate plans.
On Oct. 3, 2007, Cameco reported that groundwater test results from a new monitoring well indicate slightly elevated levels of uranium and arsenic at a location eight metres inside the fenceline south of the UF6 production building.
This is the first indication that contamination may be present beyond the property line.
On Oct. 15, 2007, Cameco released a root cause report on the incident. The report identified the following causal factors:
- Some 'floors, sumps & trenches' are not designed to resist a corrosive
environment;
- Liquid entering 'floors, sumps & trenches' is frequently corrosive and
attacks the 'floors, sumps & trenches';
- Uranium and chemicals frequently enter the 'floors, sumps & trenches';
- Liquid and sludge remain in the 'floors, sumps & trenches' for sustained
periods of time;
- Some 'floors, sumps & trenches' deteriorated over time and began to leak;
and
- The monitoring system does not detect deterioration of and/or leakage
from the 'floors, sumps & trenches'.
> Download root cause report summary Oct. 15, 2007 (1.7M PDF)
> Download root cause report Oct. 15, 2007 (1M PDF)
On Jan. 28, 2008, Cameco Corporation reported it has received regulatory approval to begin repairing and upgrading the Port Hope uranium hexafluoride (UF6) conversion plant following the discovery of soil contamination beneath the facility. UF6 plant operations have been suspended since the discovery in July 2007. Cameco has set a target of resuming UF6 production in the third quarter of 2008 at the earliest.
The estimate for the cleanup of the contaminated soil at Port Hope has been increased to C$15 to C$20 million from the C$3 million previously recorded due to an increase in the scope of work required to remediate the contaminated areas. In addition, Cameco expects to spend C$20 to C$25 million on plant improvements.
The leak from Cameco's uranium hexafluoride (UF6) plant has reached the harbour, federal nuclear regulators were told on May 14, 2008.
(Northumberland News May 15, 2008)
On Sep. 16, 2008, Cameco announced that CNSC staff has accepted Cameco's plans to restart UF6 production. The restart is expected to happen within the next several days.
Cameco expects total remediation costs to be $50 to $55 million of which approximately $20 million (including $17 million incurred in 2007) will be expensed and the remainder capitalized.
Cameco said the money was used to investigate the possibility that uranium, arsenic and fluorides may have seeped into Lake Ontario, rehabilitate the plant and install a system of wells that collect impacted groundwater.
The company also made a number of improvements inside the plant, including replacement of large sections of the ground floor and application of chemical-resistant coatings to all floors, as well as removal of some contaminated soil from under the building.
(Canadian Press 17 Sep 2008)
On September 30, 2008, Cameco Corporation announced that it has resumed production of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) at its Port Hope conversion facility. Cameco voluntarily halted production in July 2007 and indicated recently that the company had resolved the issues that led to the presence of uranium and other production-related chemicals beneath the plant.
> Download Final Golder report on UF6 subsurface investigation (September 2008) (11.2M PDF)
> Download Comprehensive risk assessment for UF6 plant (September 2008) (3.4M PDF)
> View Updates on subsurface contamination (Cameco)
CNSC holds hearing on amendmend to financial guarantee for Cameco Port Hope conversion plant
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) held a one-day public hearing (September 13, 2007) on the application by Cameco Corporation for acceptance of the proposed amendment to the value of its existing financial guarantee for its nuclear conversion facility located in Port Hope, Ontario.
> Download Notice of Public Hearing, July 13, 2007 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Sep. 13, 2007 (PDF)
> View CNSC release Oct. 25, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision (PDF)
CNSC issues license renewal for Cameco Port Hope conversion plant
On Feb. 26, 2007, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing (October 4, 2006 and November 28 and 29, 2006) issued a renewal for Cameco Corporation's operating licence for the Port Hope Nuclear Fuel Facility, located in Port Hope, Ontario.
> Download Hearing Notice, July 31, 2006 (PDF)
> Download Oct. 4, 2006, Hearing Transcript (corrected) (PDF)
> Download Nov. 28, 2006, Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> Download Nov. 29, 2006, Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> View CNSC release Feb. 26, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, Nov. 29, 2006 (PDF)
CNSC holds hearing on mid-term performance of Cameco Port Hope conversion plant
> Download Hearing Notice Dec. 3, 2004 (PDF)
> Download Information from CNSC Staff, CMD 05-H5, Dec. 20, 2004 (PDF, Cameco)
> Download Feb. 23, 2005, Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> View CNSC release May 18, 2005
> Download Record of Proceedings, May 18, 2005 (PDF)
> See also: Cameco: SEU Blending Project
> See also: Cameco Regulatory Initiatives - Port Hope
> See also: CNSC Environmental Assessment
> Download Cameco Project Proposal January 2003 (12M PDF - Cameco)
> Download Cameco Updated Project Proposal June 2003 (12M PDF - Cameco)
> Download Draft environmental assessment study report, June 2003 (85MB PDF; split file - Cameco)
> Download Final Environmental Assessment Study Report, November 2004 (97MB PDF; split file - Cameco)
Cameco abandons Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) blending project at Port Hope due to public concerns
On Sep. 23, 2005, Cameco Corporation announced that it will not proceed with the slightly enriched uranium dioxide (SEU) blending project at its Port Hope conversion facility. Public concerns about technical issues had delayed the project beyond schedule. Cameco will rather contract non-Canadian suppliers for the SEU blending services.
(Cameco Sep. 23, 2005)
CNSC cancels hearing on EA Screening Report - Proposal for Blending Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) at Port Hope
On Sep. 23, 2005, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) canceled a one-day public hearing scheduled for October 20, 2005, to consider the results of an Environmental Assessment Screening (EA Screening) of Cameco Corporation's (Cameco) proposal to produce commercial quantities of blended slightly enriched uranium dioxide (SEU), to process scrap in a scrap recovery circuit, and to produce blended dysprosium oxide and natural uranium dioxide (BDU) at its facility located in Port Hope, Ontario.
> Download Revised CNSC Notice of Public Hearing, Aug. 25, 2005 (PDF)
> Download Notice of Cancellation of Public Hearing, Sep. 23, 2005 (PDF)
CNSC issues Request for Public Comment on Draft Screening Report - Proposal for Blending Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) at Port Hope
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) invites
public comment on the Draft Screening Report concerning the
Environmental Assessment of Cameco's proposal to blend
slightly enriched uranium (SEU), blend dysprosium uranium
(BDU) and operate a scrap recovery circuit at its conversion
facility in Port Hope, Ontario.
> View CNSC Request for Comment May 11, 2005
Citizens' groups oppose proposed processing of enriched uranium at Port Hope
Newly formed citizens' group Families Against Radioactive Exposure (FARE) opposes Cameco's Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) Blending Project, since the Cameco site at Port Hope were prone to flooding, and flooding of the enriched uranium could present a criticality hazard.
(Toronto Star Sep. 18, 2004)
CNSC approves Environmental Assessment Guidelines for proposed blending circuits for new type of CANDU fuel
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a one-day public hearing on November 27, 2003, approved the Environmental Assessment Guidelines (EA Guidelines) for the proposed blending of Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) and Blended Dysprosium Uranium (BDU) at the Cameco Corporation Conversion Facility in Port Hope, Ontario.
> Download CNSC Notice (Sep. 9, 2003) (PDF)
> Download Nov. 27, 2003, Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> View CNSC release Jan. 8, 2003
> Download Record of Proceedings, including the Reasons for Decision, Jan. 8, 2004 (PDF)
CNSC invites public comment on proposed blending circuits for new type of CANDU fuel
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) invites public comment on the draft environmental assessment guidelines for the proposed blending of Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) and Blended Dysprosium Uranium (BDU) at the Cameco Corporation Conversion Facility in Port Hope, Ontario.
> View CNSC Request for Public Comment (Aug. 15, 2003)
> View Project Description
Cameco seeking approval for recycling of wastes from Blind River and Port Hope nuclear fuel facilities at Key Lake mill
> View details
License Renewal for Cameco Port Hope fuel facility
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing, issued a 5-year license renewal for Cameco Corporation of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to operate its uranium processing facility in Port Hope, Ontario.
> Download CNSC Announcement (Sep. 6, 2001) (PDF)
> Download Transcript of November 15, 2001, hearing (PDF)
> Download Transcript of January 17, 2002, hearing (PDF)
> View CNSC Release Feb. 18, 2002
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, Feb. 18, 2002 (PDF)
In a dissenting statement (made public on Feb. 22, 2002), unprecedented in the history of the commission and of its predecessor, the Atomic Energy Control Board, Commission Member Dr. C. R. Barnes disagreed with the 5-year duration of the license term (rather than the 3-year terms issued earlier):
"Commission Member Dr. C. R. Barnes concurred with the other Members that the licensee meets
the requirements of section 24(4) of the NSCA and therefore that a licence should be issued.
Dr. Barnes, however, disagreed with the majority view on the duration of the licence term. In
Dr. Barnes’ view, a maximum licence term of three years should be approved. Dr. Barnes held
that a five-year licence should be reserved for facilities where the effects have been demonstrated
to be well characterized and where public concerns about health and safety are not high.
Dr. Barnes found that a five-year licence in this case would not adequately address the
significant remaining concerns of the public about the health effects of the facility in
combination with the past uranium contamination in the community. Furthermore, Dr. Barnes
was also concerned about the current lack of environmental effects monitoring in the vicinity of
the facility. Dr. Barnes is of the view that bringing the matter of the licence renewal before the
Commission in three years time, as opposed to a status report, will have a greater influence on
ensuring the licensee maintains close attention to the design and implementation of the
environmental effects monitoring program and the need to continue to address the significant
remaining concerns of the people potentially affected." (Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, Feb. 18, 2002)
The environmental group Lake Ontario Keeper raises concerns about toxic waste leaking from the Port Granby waste management facility into Lake Ontario. The Port Granby facility, located 15 km west of Port Hope, is holding wastes from the Port Hope uranium conversion plant.
> View Lake Ontario Keeper press release Aug. 27, 2001
> View report: Port Granby: Leaking radioactive hazardous waste site
On December 16, 1999, the Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB) approved the license renewal for the Cameco Corporation uranium conversion facility in Port Hope, Ontario.
> View AECB News Release of Dec. 17, 1999
"In the production of UO2, an ammonium nitrate by-product solution is produced. The solution is treated to reduce uranium and radium
to levels less than 10 mgU/L and 370 mBq/L respectively. Each batch
of this by-product solution is analysed for uranium, radium and selected
heavy metals to ensure compliance with the AECB limits, and then released
to a local agricultural supply company for use as a fertilizer. Approximately
two million litres of solution is transferred every year for this purpose." (AECB BMD 99-123, Cameco Corporation - Port Hope - Renewal of Fuel Facility
Operating Licence AECB-FFOL-225-4, 1999-09-21)
2 million litres of this solution contain up to 20 kg of uranium.
During the 1940's to 1960's, the Port Hope fuel facility caused massive releases of contaminants into the enviroment. In the Mill Street/ Madison Street area located south-east to the facility, the Ontario MOE found a uranium concentration of 135 ppm in 1986. The concentration had decreased to 40 ppm in 1997 (AECB BMD 00-29, Feb. 1, 2000).
The current uranium deposition rate is being monitored at 5 test plots, at two of them by Ontario MOE and at three by Cameco. At the Cameco soil test plots, a maximum increase in soil uranium concentration of 0.58 ppm per year was observed for the first year 1998.
At MOE's Town Hall plot, the uranium concentration in soil dropped from initially 0.85 ppm to 0.56 ppm in 1997 and 0.58 ppm in 1998. At MOE's Marina plot, the uranium concentration increased from initially 0.85 ppm to 1.78 ppm in 1997 and further to 3.93 ppm in 1998. Normal background levels for uranium in soil in Ontario are up to 2 ppm. (AECB BMD 99-123, Sep. 21, 1999)
Respirable uranium particulate in air is being monitored at three locations around the Port Hope fuel facility since 1998. The highest average monitored at one of these stations was 0.0074 µg/m3 (AECB BMD 99-123, Sep. 21, 1999).
The corresponding radiation dose from inhalation can be calculated at 0.013 mSv/a.
At the request of the Port Hope Community Health Concerns Committee (PHCHCC), AECB has ordered a cancer incidence study in Port Hope from Health Canada.
PNCHCC has requested further studies by independent researchers. (AECB BMD 00-30, Jan. 31, 2000).
The Health Canada study was released on August 22, 2000. It has found that the overall cancer rates in the town of Port Hope, Ontario are comparable to rates throughout the Province of Ontario.
Copies may be requested from the CNSC (successor of AECB) by calling 1-800-668-5284 (in Canada) or e-mail to info@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
(view CNSC News Release August 22, 2000)
On June 17, 2002, CNSC released Health Canada's Port Hope mortality report (Cancer and General Mortality in Port Hope, 1956–1997):
"The cancer findings are, on the whole, consistent with the earlier cancer incidence report and previous Port Hope studies. The patterns of cancer mortality in Port Hope are comparable to the province of Ontario as a whole. This pattern is consistent with existing knowledge of doseresponse relationships of radiation risk that an observable excess of cancer wound not be expected because the cumulative doses in Port Hope were low (Tracey 1995, ICRP-60, Boice 1996)."
(Information from Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Staff Regarding Cancer and General Mortality in Port Hope, 1956–1997, CMD 02-M47, June 10, 2002)
These findings were discussed at the Commission meeting on June 27, 2002.
> View CNSC release June 17, 2002
> View abstract of the study
> Download CNSC meeting transcript, June 27, 2002 (PDF, see p. 30-44)
Aerial View: Google Maps
CNSC holds hearing on amendmend to financial guarantee for Cameco Blind River uranium refinery
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) held a one-day public hearing (September 13, 2007) on the application by Cameco Corporation (Cameco) for acceptance of the proposed amendment to the value of its existing financial guarantee for its nuclear fuel facility located in Blind River, Ontario.
> Download Notice of Public Hearing, July 13, 2007 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Sep. 13, 2007 (PDF)
> View CNSC release Oct. 25, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision (PDF)
Upgrade of incinerator at Cameco Blind River uranium refinery
Following a hearing held on December 7, 2006, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) approved the results of an Environmental Assessment Screening (EA Screening) of Cameco Corporation's (Cameco) proposed project to modify the operation of the Blind River Refinery Incinerator located in Blind River, Ontario.
Cameco has notified the CNSC of its intention to request authorization to upgrade its Blind River Refinery Incinerator. The proposed upgrades would increase the capacity of the incinerator to handle contaminated combustible by-products from Cameco's operations in both Port Hope and Blind River. The proposed upgrades would also include the installation of pollution control equipment and on-line monitoring equipment as well as an oil injection system to allow for the incineration of contaminated uranium-bearing waste oil.
The Commission has determined that a public hearing in this case is not necessary to consider the results of the EA Screening. The hearing will be conducted by way of written submissions.
> Download Notice of Hearing, Nov. 27, 2006 (PDF)
> View CNSC release March 14, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision March 7, 2007 (PDF)
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a one-day hearing (April 12, 2007), approved the application by Cameco Corporation's (Cameco) Blind River Refinery for an amendment to its Class IB Nuclear Fuel Facility Operating Licence for its facility located in Blind River, Ontario.
Cameco has applied to amend its operating licence to include provisions for the incinerator's upgraded operation. The upgrades will increase the capacity of the incinerator to handle contaminated combustible by-products from Cameco’s operations in both Port Hope and Blind River. The upgrades also include pollution control equipment and on-line monitoring equipment to enable the incinerator to handle the increased loading of material and meet future emission limits.
> Download Notice of Hearing, March 27, 2007 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Apr. 12, 2007 (PDF)
> View CNSC release April 13, 2007
> Download Summary Record of Proceedings and Decision, April 12, 2007 (PDF)
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, April 12, 2007 (PDF) · Errata (PDF)
"The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has
received notice from Cameco Corporation (Cameco), seeking
an amendment to an existing licence to upgrade the
incinerator at the Blind River Refinery. The proposed upgrades
would increase the capacity of the incinerator to handle
contaminated combustible by-product from Cameco's Blind
River and Port Hope operations. [...]"
A related environmental assessment was started on November 26, 2004.
> View CNSC release Dec. 21, 2004
CNSC issues license renewal for Cameco Blind River uranium refinery
On Feb. 26, 2007, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing (October 5, 2006, and December 13, 2006) on the application by Cameco Corporation, issued the renewal of the operating licence for the Blind River Uranium Refining Facility, located in Blind River, Ontario.
> Download Hearing Notice July 31, 2006 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript, Oct. 5, 2006 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript, Dec. 13, 2006 (PDF)
> View CNSC release Feb. 26, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including
Reasons for Decision, Feb. 26, 2007 (PDF)
CNSC announces un-hearing on EA Screening for proposed production increase at Blind River Refinery
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will hold a "hearing" on September 22, 2008 to consider the results of an Environmental Assessment Screening (EA Screening) regarding Cameco Corporation's (Cameco) proposal to increase the annual licensed production capacity of the Blind River Refinery (the Refinery), located near Blind River, Ontario.
The Refinery processes natural uranium concentrates into natural uranium trioxide (UO3), and is currently licensed to operate for a maximum production of 18,000 tonnes of uranium as UO3 annually. Cameco has proposed to increase the Refinery's annual production capacity to 24,000 tonnes uranium as UO3. Cameco's proposal includes construction activities to modify the Refinery to achieve the increased production rate and the operation of the Refinery under the proposed production rate.
The Commission has determined that a public hearing is not necessary to consider Cameco's proposed project. The "hearing" will be conducted by way of written submissions from Cameco and CNSC staff.
> Download Notice of Hearing Sep. 8, 2008 (PDF)
CNSC invites public comment on the Draft Screening Report concerning the Environmental Assessment of Cameco's proposed production increase at the Blind River Refinery, Ontario
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) invites public comment on the Draft Screening Report concerning the Environmental Assessment of Cameco Corporation's (Cameco) proposed production increase at the Blind River Refinery, near Blind River, Ontario.
Written comments on the Draft Screening Report document should be submitted by May 16, 2008.
> View CNSC Request for Public Comment, April 21, 2008
> View CNSC Project Description
CNSC approves EA guidelines for production increase at Cameco's Blind River Refinery
After holding a hearing on Jan. 12, 2006, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) approved the draft environmental assessment guidelines for the proposed production increase at the Cameco Corporation Blind River Refinery in Blind River, Ontario.
> View CNSC Request for Public Comment, Aug. 25, 2005
> View CNSC Project Description
> View CNSC release Feb. 13, 2006
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, Feb. 13, 2006 (PDF)
Cameco to increase capacity of Blind River uranium refinery
Cameco is going to invest CDN$ 6 million to increase the production capacity of its Blind River uranium refinery. The refined UO3 will be sent to the BNFL Springfields plant in the United Kingdom for conversion to uranium hexafluoride. (Cameco Mar. 16, 2005)
On July 4, 2005, CNSC started the related environmental assessment.
This project involves a proposed increase to the annual licensed production capacity of the Blind River Refinery from 18,000 tonnes uranium as uranium trioxide (UO3) to 24,000 tonnes uranium as UO3. The proposed increase in annual production would be achieved by making minor process modifications to the current circuits.
> View CNSC release July 11, 2005
> Download Blind River Refinery - Project Description to Support an Environmental Assessment for a Production Increase from
18,000 to 24,000 tonnes U per Year, Cameco, May 2005 (3.2M PDF)
CNSC holds hearing on mid-term performance of Cameco Blind River uranium refinery
The hearing was held on Feb. 24, 2005 (date revised).
> Download Hearing Notice, Dec. 3, 2004 (PDF)
> Download Revised Hearing Notice, Jan. 28, 2005 (PDF)
> Download Feb. 24, 2005 Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> Download Record of Proceedings, May 18, 2005 (PDF)
Cameco seeking approval for recycling of wastes from Blind River and Port Hope nuclear fuel facilities at Key Lake mill
> View details
License Renewal for Blind River fuel facility
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing, issued a 5-year license renewal to Cameco Corporation of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to operate its uranium processing facility in Blind River, Ontario.
> Download CNSC Announcement (Sep. 6, 2001) (PDF)
> Download Transcript of November 15, 2001, hearing (PDF)
> Download Transcript of January 17, 2002, hearing (PDF)
> View CNSC Release Feb. 18, 2002
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, Feb. 18, 2002 (PDF)
On December 16, 1999, the Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB) approved the license renewal for the Cameco Corporation uranium refinery in Blind River, Ontario.
> View AECB News Release of Dec. 17, 1999
CNSC holds hearing on amendmend to financial guarantee for Zircatec Port Hope fuel fabrication plant
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) held a one-day public hearing (Sep. 13, 2007) on the application by Zircatec Precision Industries Inc. (Zircatec) for acceptance of the proposed amendment to the value of its existing financial guarantee for its nuclear fuel facility located in Port Hope, Ontario.
> Download Notice of Public Hearing, July 13, 2007 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Sep. 13, 2007 (PDF)
> View CNSC release Oct. 25, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision (PDF)
CNSC approves Slightly Enriched Uranium CANDU Fuel Production project at Zircatec Port Hope plant
Following a public hearing held on June 12, 2008 in Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision to amend Zircatec Precision Industries Inc.'s (Zircatec) operating licence. The amended licence will authorize Zircatec to produce slightly enriched uranium (SEU) and blended dysprosium and natural uranium oxides (BDU) CANDU fuel at its facility located in Port Hope, Ontario.
> Download Notice of Public Hearing, Revision 2, May 28, 2008 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript June 12, 2008 (PDF)
> View CNSC release July 8, 2008
> Download Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision
CNSC approves results of EA Screening regarding Zircatec's Slightly Enriched Uranium CANDU Fuel Production proposal in Port Hope
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) held a one-day public hearing (January 9, 2008) to consider the results of an Environmental Assessment Screening (EA Screening) regarding Zircatec Precision Industries Inc.'s (Zircatec) Slightly Enriched Uranium CANDU Fuel Production proposal for its facility located in Port Hope, Ontario.
The Commission concluded that Zircatec's project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. The Commission therefore can proceed with its consideration of the licence application for the proposed project.
> Download Notice of Public Hearing, Nov. 7, 2007 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript Jan. 9, 2008 (PDF)
> View CNSC release Feb. 18, 2008
> Download Record of Proceedings, Feb. 18, 2008 (PDF)
> Download Record of Proceedings Erratum, April 15, 2008 (PDF)
CNSC invites Public Comment on Draft Environmental Assessment Screening Report for Zircatec Precision Industries Inc.'s Slightly Enriched Uranium CANDU Fuel Production proposal
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) invites public comment on the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) Screening Report for Zircatec Precision Industries Inc.'s Slightly Enriched Uranium CANDU Fuel Production proposal in Port Hope, Ontario.
> View CNSC Request for Public Comment, Sep. 19, 2007
> Download draft EA Screening Report (WITHHELD)
> Download Project Proposal for SEU CANDU Fuel Production May 19, 2006 - Revision 3 (2.4M PDF - Cameco)
CNSC approves EA Guidelines for Slightly Enriched Uranium CANDU Fuel Production proposal at Zircatec Port Hope fuel fabrication plant
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a one-day public hearing (June 22, 2007), approved the Environmental Assessment (EA) Guidelines regarding Zircatec Precision Industries Inc.'s (Zircatec) Slightly Enriched Uranium CANDU Fuel Production proposal for its facility located in Port Hope, Ontario.
> Download CSNC Notice of Public Hearing, Apr. 20, 2007 (PDF)
> Download Hearing Transcript June 22, 2007 (PDF)
> View CNSC release, Aug. 3, 2007
> Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision: withheld
CNSC issues license renewal, with changes for new fuel types, for Zircatec Port Hope fuel fabrication plant
On Feb. 26, 2007, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing (October 4, 2006 and November 30, 2006) issued to Zircatec Precision Industries Inc. a renewal, with specific changes, of the operating licence for the Port Hope Nuclear Fuel Facility located in Port Hope, Ontario.
Zircatec Precision Industries Inc. has applied for the renewal of its licence until February 28, 2012, with specific changes with respect to its proposed production lines to produce a new fuel product containing slightly enriched uranium dioxide (SEU) and blended dysprosium and natural uranium oxides (BDU). The required feed materials (SEU and BDU powders) will be supplied by external sources.
> Download Hearing Notice, July 31, 2006 (PDF)
> Download Oct. 4, 2006, Hearing Transcript (corrected) (PDF)
> Download Revised Hearing Notice, Nov. 20, 2006 (PDF)
> Download Nov. 30, 2006, Hearing Transcript (PDF)
> View CNSC release Feb. 26, 2007
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision, Feb. 28, 2007 (PDF)
Cameco acquires Zircatec Precision Industries
"Cameco Corporation announced today it has completed the
acquisition of a 100% interest in Zircatec Precision Industries, Inc.
for $108 million." (Cameco Feb. 1, 2006)
"Cameco Corporation announced today it has reached an agreement to acquire a 100% interest in Zircatec Precision Industries, Inc. for approximately $108 million, including closing adjustments. Zircatec’s primary business is manufacturing nuclear fuel bundles for sale to companies that generate electricity from Candu reactors.
Cameco anticipates the agreement will close by early February 2006 after a number of agreement conditions are met including third-party and regulatory approvals."
(Cameco Dec. 2, 2005)
CNSC holds hearing on mid-term performance of Zircatec Port Hope fuel facility
> Download Hearing Notice Dec. 3, 2004 (PDF)
> Download Feb. 23, 2005, Hearing Transcript (revised) (PDF)
> View CNSC release May 18, 2005
> Download Record of Proceedings, May 18, 2005 (PDF)
License Renewal for Zircatec Port Hope fuel facility
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), after holding a two-day public hearing, issued a 5-year license renewal to Zircatec Precision Industries Inc. of Port Hope, Ontario to operate its fuel fabrication facility in Port Hope.
> Download CNSC Announcement (Sep. 6, 2001) (PDF)
> Download Transcript of November 15, 2001, hearing (PDF)
> Download Transcript of January 17, 2002, hearing (PDF)
> View CNSC Release Feb. 18, 2002
> Download Record of Proceedings, Including
Reasons for Decision (Feb. 18, 2002) (PDF)
On December 16, 1999, the Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB) approved the license renewal for the Zircatec Precision Industries fuel fabrication plant, located in Port Hope, Ontario.
> View AECB News Release of Dec. 17, 1999
A planned cleanup of low-level radioactive waste near the shores of Lake Ontario remains years behind schedule and millions of dollars over budget.
The federal government committed in 2001 to remove more than 2 million cubic metres of uranium-and radium-contaminated soil from beneath neighbourhood houses, roads, schoolyards, farm fields and the bottom of the local harbour.
However, documents obtained by The Canadian Press under the Freedom of Information Act cast doubt on how soon the project will be completed, and at what cost.
The National Resources Canada report says "a high degree of public scrutiny and public participation" has been the key factor in delaying the planning-based phase of the project by three years and driving up costs by about $5 to $7 million.
The second phase of the operation will see the contaminated soil excavated and moved to a different location before being contained in thick layers of clay, rock and soil.
In 1999, the cost of the second phase was estimated at $170 million - a price tag that's expected to soar as a result of changes in the "amount of low-level waste, the number of facilities, their location and design," as well as political stresses, the report says.
Toxic elements currently found in the area include above-average levels of the radioactive metals radium and uranium, as well as arsenic, radon and lead.
(CP Aug. 19, 2007)
The Port Hope proposal covers the
remediation of sites containing low-level radioactive
wastes, marginally contaminated soils and specified
industrial wastes. The sites to be remediated include
four sites already under CNSC licence with the Low Level Radioactive Waste Management Office . As well, it includes the Port Hope harbour,
historic wastes from CAMECO and miscellaneous public and
private sites for a total waste to be managed of
approximately 1.39 million cubic meters.
The proposed project also covers the
preparation and construction of a long-term low-level
radioactive waste management facility to be located at the
site of the existing Welcome waste management facility,
and it also includes the management of the waste within
that facility.
> Download Notice of Hearing (Dec. 27, 2006) (PDF)
> Download Panel Hearing Transcript Jan. 24, 2007 (PDF)
> View Port Hope Long-Term Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Project (NRCAN)
> View The Port Hope Project (LLRWMO)
> View Environmental Assessment - Port Hope Long-Term Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Project (CNSC)