Public Registry file 5895.00 - In situ decommissioning of the Whiteshell Reactor #1 (WR-1 Decommissioning project) at Whiteshell Laboratories, Pinawa.
Latest information was posted November 29, 2017
Manitoba's technical review and comments submission to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission - posted November 29, 2017
September 19, 2017 Federal Process Update: The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission received the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories draft EIS document, which is now available for federal and provincial technical review and comment by December 15, 2017. The documents to be reviewed including the following:
Executive Summary - posted September 22, 2017
Environmental Impact Statement
Main Body (Part 1) and (Part 2)
In June 2017, the Department of Sustainable Development participated in a study tour of the project site as part of the environmental assessment being conducted.
The Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) submitted a project description to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for their new decommissioning plan.
On March 8, 2017, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) issued a Record of Decision, which indicates that prior to considering authorization of the project pursuant to the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA), an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act 2012 is required.
Under section 15 of CEAA 2012, the CNSC is considered to be the Responsible Authority (RA) for the proposed project. Please refer to the CNSC-s website for more information: http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/resources/environmental-assessments/ongoing/manitoba/decommissioning-whiteshell-reactor-1.cfm
In June 2016, The Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), the current operators of the facility on behalf of the AECL developed a new plan to decommission and leave in-situ the research reactor (WR-1) at the Whiteshell Laboratories. This plan will involve pouring specially-engineered grout into the reactor to lock contaminants in place, making an underground block of concrete. A protective cover will then be added on the surface. Please refer to the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories website for more information on the -in-situ decommissioning- plan: http://www.cnl.ca/en/home/default.aspx
Manitoba Department of Sustainable Development has representation on the federally-led intergovernmental and stakeholder working group established by the CNSC to monitor the environmental assessment and regulatory process surrounding the proposed decommissioning.
Although the decision is a federal one, Manitoba is pleased to participate on the Working Group to ensure that Manitoba interests are considered.
In 2008, the decommissioning licence was renewed by the CNSC (to 2018).
In 2003, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) issued the decommissioning licence.
In 2002, the decommissioning study report was approved which included an approach to completely remove the facility from its current site.
In 1998, AECL decided to decommission the facility (following a program review by the federal Government and a business decision by the AECL).
In 1985, the reactor (WR-1) was shut down and de-fuelled thereafter.
In the early 1960-s Whiteshell Laboratories site was established by the Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL) to conduct nuclear research. The site was commissioned in 1964.
Environmental Approvals Contact: Raj Rathamano
