CNSC report supports waste site at Chalk River

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by Terry Myers

Staff at Canada’s nuclear safety agency have thrown their support behind a proposal to build a controversial low-level radioactive waste “dump” at the Chalk River Laboratories.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will hold two public hearings to consider Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ application for the proposed Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF).

In a 590-page report before the first hearing February 22, CNSC staff say the NSDF is “not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects,” and that the commission should approve a licence for the site’s construction.

“CNSC staff have performed rigorous technical assessments of the NSDF proposal including CNL’s environmental impact statement (EIS), safety case and extensive supporting documentation,” the report says.

“CNSC staff conclude that the proposed NSDF project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects…

“The proposed NSDF is suitable for permanently containing and isolating the waste during the time the waste’s radiological hazards remain”….

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