Environmental Assessment
In accordance with AECL’s Environmental Policy, AECL reviews the impact of our activities on the environment. Where required Environmental Assessments (EAs) are conducted to ensure projects are safe for the environment.
Environmental Assessments are used to predict the environmental effects of proposed initiatives before they are carried out. They provide opportunities for public participation including Aboriginal consultations.
On 2012 July 06, the new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 came into effect, changing the environmental assessment requirements for projects. As a result, Environmental Assessment screenings are no longer required for low-risk projects. Under the new act, the environmental assessments that were underway for projects at AECL sites ceased as of 2012 July 06. However, AECL will continue to assess the environmental impacts of projects on AECL sites under its Environmental Protection (EnvP) Program and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place.
For projects requiring Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulatory approval, environmental impacts and mitigation measures will continue to be considered under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) as part of the CNSC’s licence application review to ensure the environment, human health and safety are protected.
For more information about an environmental assessment, please contact Corporate Communication at AECL’s community inquiry line at 1-800-364-6989.
For more information on CNSC’s Environmental Assessment Process for projects at AECL sites, please refer to the CNSC web site at http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/ea/index.cfm
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For more information on the new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012, please refer to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency web site at www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca.