Cancelled

Bruce Power - Proposal to Construct and Operate New Nuclear Power Plant 

Environmental assessment start date: February 12, 2007
Type: Joint Review Panel
CEAR reference number: 07-05-25738
Proponent: Bruce Power
Location: Tiverton, Ontario

Latest Updates

• August 31, 2009: Federal Environmental Assessment Terminated (source: CEAA Web site)
• July 23, 2009: Bruce Power letter to the CNSC requesting withdrawal of its application for a licence to prepare a site in Tiverton (PDF) – in English only
• September 5, 2008: Joint Review Panel Established for the Proposed Bruce Power New Nuclear Power Plant Project
  
• August 22, 2008: The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and CNSC issued the final Environmental Impact Statement Guidelines and Joint Review Panel Agreement.
• April 4, 2008:  The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission released for public comment two documents - the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) guidelines and the draft Joint Review Panel (JRP) agreement. The draft EIS guidelines identify the information needed to examine the potential environmental effects of the proposed project, as well as its requirements for a licence to prepare a site. The comment period ends June 18, 2008.
• July 3, 2007: Availability of $50,000 in CEAA Participant Funding - The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency is making available up to $50,000 in participant funding to assist groups and/or individuals to take part in the environmental assessment of this proposed project. Applications received by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency no later than July 31, 2007 will be considered. The Participant Funding Program Guide and the application form are available on the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s Web site.
• June 26, 2007: Bruce Power New Build Project Referred to a Public Review Panel
• May 7, 2007: CNSC announces its decision to request that the federal Minister of the Environment refer Bruce Power’s proposal to a review panel (early referral) and not proceed further with the comprehensive study. Please consult the Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision and transcripts of the hearing for more information.

Project Description

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received a project description from Bruce Power for the construction and operation of up to four new nuclear reactors at the Bruce Power site for the generation of approximately 4,000 MW of electrical generating capacity for supply to the Ontario grid. The Bruce Power site is located in Kincardine, Ontario.

The scope of Bruce Power’s proposal includes preparation of the site, construction and operation of the new nuclear power reactors. Operations would involve activities required to operate and maintain the new reactor units, including management of all conventional wastes, low, medium and high-level radioactive waste, and other hazardous wastes. Bruce Power is considering a range of reactor designs, but has not yet decided on a specific technology. It is anticipated that the new reactors would have an approximate 60-year operating life, which would include a mid-life refurbishment.

Under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), Bruce Power will require licences from CNSC for activities to be undertaken with respect to the project. Before the Commission can make licensing decisions for this proposal, an Environmental Assessment (EA) of the proposal must be completed in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). The purpose of an environmental assessment is to determine if the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, taking into account the available mitigation measures before any decision is taken by a federal authority that would allow the project to proceed. This project is of the type identified on the Comprehensive Study List Regulations.

Steps Ahead

The next steps will include the submission of Bruce Power’s EIS and licensing documentation to the JRP, and a public consultation on the EIS.

Further Information

CNSC maintains a public registry of documents related to its Environmental Assessments. Lists and copies of documents may be obtained upon request. For questions or information directly related to this environmental assessment, please contact:

John Clarke
Environmental Assessment Specialist
Environmental Assessment Division
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5S9
Phone : 1-800-668-5284
Fax : (613) 995-5086
Email : ceaainfo@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.