News Releases

CNSC Announces Decision on Environmental Assessment Guidelines for the Proposed Caribou Project at AREVA Resources Canada Inc.’s McClean Lake Operation

07-42

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2007

Following a hearing held on October 31, 2007, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its approval of guidelines for an environmental assessment of a proposed open pit mine for the Caribou uranium deposit at the McClean Lake Operation site in northern Saskatchewan.

The environmental assessment is required pursuant to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. In accordance with the approved Environmental Assessment Guidelines (EA Guidelines), CNSC staff will prepare an Environmental Assessment Screening Report (Screening Report) for the Commission’s consideration at a future hearing. The EA Guidelines set out the technical studies and public consultations that will be completed by AREVA Resources Canada Inc. under the direction of the CNSC and Saskatchewan Environment and with the input of other expert government departments.

The Commission has decided that it will not, at this time, refer the project to the federal Minister of the Environment for referral to a mediator or review panel.

Furthermore, the Commission has decided to postpone its decision on the hearing process for consideration of the Screening Report for the Caribou Project until after CNSC staff presents proposals for streamlined environmental assessment and licensing processes at a future meeting of the Commission.  After considering the Screening Report, if the Commission concludes that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, taking into account the appropriate mitigation measures, the Commission may proceed with a decision on the related licence application.

A Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision and transcripts of the hearing are available on the CNSC Web site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca, or by contacting the CNSC.

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

Contact:
Pascale Bourassa
Commission Secretariat
613-947-0247
1-800-668-5284 
interventions@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca