In Situ Decommissioning of the Whiteshell Reactor #1
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is proposing to decommission the Whiteshell Reactor #1 (WR-1 Reactor), a former nuclear research reactor that operated until 1985. The WR-1 Reactor is located at the Whiteshell Laboratories (WL) site in Pinawa, Manitoba, which is situated approximately 100 kilometres northeast of the city of Winnipeg and located near the towns of Lac du Bonnet and Seven Sisters.
CNL is proposing an in situ (leaving in place) decommissioning approach. In situ decommissioning of the WR-1 Reactor involves preparing systems and structures for grouting whereby the below-grade sealed structure will encapsulate and contain radiological sources and hazardous materials for a defined period of institutional control.
The following activities are being proposed:
- preparation for in situ decommissioning
- grouting of below-grade (underground) structures and systems
- removal of above-grade structures and systems
- installation of engineered cover over grouted area
- final site restoration
- long-term care and maintenance activities
Some temporary infrastructure – such as construction trailers and equipment paddocks, as well as an increase to the electrical services – would also be required in order to facilitate decommissioning. Additional groundwater monitoring wells would be installed, as required, to monitor the performance of the in situ decommissioned facility.
Under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, CNL's proposal requires an amendment to its existing Decommissioning Waste Facility Licence issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). An environmental assessment conducted under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 is required, and an EA decision affirming that the proposed activities will not cause significant adverse environmental effects, before the CNSC can make a licensing decision on this proposal.
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This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.
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- Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012
- Canadian Nuclear Laboratories - Decommissioning of the Whiteshell Reactor # 1
- Nuclear Safety and Control Act
Contacts
Canadian Nuclear Safety CommissionAimee Rupert, Environmental Assessment Officer
280 Slater Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5S9
Telephone: 613-316-2087 or 1-800-668-5284
Email: wr1@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
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Location
- Pinawa (Manitoba)
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Nature of Activity
- Nuclear Energy
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Assessment Status
In progress -
Start Date
2016-05-16 -
Proponent
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories -
Authorities
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
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Assessment Type
Environmental assessment under CEAA 2012 -
Reference Number
80124
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