Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
News Releases
Cameco’s Vision 2010 Project: Environmental Assessment to Proceed as a Comprehensive Study
09-09
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2009
OTTAWA – The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will move forward with an environmental assessment (EA) for Cameco’s Vision 2010 project to clean up and redevelop its conversion facility in Port Hope, Ontario. Today, the CNSC received approval to undertake a comprehensive study, a type of EA under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, from the Minister of the Environment, the Honourable Jim Prentice, based on the recommendation submitted by the CNSC in December 2008.
Cameco Corporation is expected to submit their environmental impact statement (EIS) to the CNSC in the coming months. As part of the EA process, the CNSC will ask for the public to provide written comments on the draft comprehensive study report prior to its submission to the Minister of the Environment, including conclusions and recommendations.Following the EIS assessment by the CNSC and other federal departments and agencies, the CNSC will submit the comprehensive study report to the Minister of the Environment. If the Minister concludes that the project is not likely to cause adverse environmental effects, the CNSC can consider Cameco’s licence applications at a future public hearing.
The Vision 2010 project involves a comprehensive redevelopment of Cameco’s conversion facility. The project consists of decommissioning and demolishing approximately 20 old or underutilized buildings, including those used in the refining or conversion of uranium, removing contaminated soils, building materials and stored historical wastes, and constructing new replacement buildings.
More information on the EA can be obtained on the CNSC website at nuclearsafety.gc.ca or from the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry at ceaa-acee.gc.ca under reference number 06-03-22672.
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.
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For additional information, please contact:
Aurèle Gervais
CNSC Media Relations
613-996-6860
