News Releases

CNSC Announces Decision to proceed with consideration of the application for licence amendments related to the Rabbit Lake Solution Processing Project

08-13

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 19, 2008

Following a one day public hearing, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision to accept the conclusions of the Screening Report for the Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Rabbit Lake Solution Processing Project (Screening Report) and to proceed with a course of action consistent with paragraph 20(1)(a) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act; that is consideration of the applications for amendment of relevant operating licences under the provisions of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

The Commission, in making its decision, considered information presented for a public hearing held on June 11, 2008 in Ottawa, Ontario. During the public hearing, the Commission received written submissions and heard oral presentations from CNSC staff and proponents, Cameco Corporation and AREVA Resources Canada Inc. The Commission also considered an oral presentation and the written submission from an intervenor.

The Commission concluded that the Screening Report is complete and meets all of the applicable requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The Commission further concluded that the project, taking into account the appropriate mitigation measures identified in the Screening Report, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. The Commission will not request the federal Minister of the Environment to refer the project to a review panel or mediator in accordance with the provisions of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and will proceed with a course of action under the provisions of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

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