Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission: Joint Review Panels

Transcription

1 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission: Joint Review Panels Bruce Power New Nuclear Power Plant Project and Ontario Power Generation Deep Geologic Repository Project Kincardine, Ontario May 27, 2008

2 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission: Joint Review Panels Public Info-Session Agenda 7:00 p.m.: Open House 7:30 p.m.: Presentation 8:00 p.m.: Questions & Answers

3 Presentation Overview Project descriptions Role of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) Role of Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Joint Review Panel Process Documents out for public review Next steps 3

4 Bruce Power New Nuclear Power Plant Project - Background August 2006 CNSC received a licence application from Bruce Power Inc. up to four new nuclear reactors to be located at the existing Bruce Nuclear Site eastern shore of Lake Huron expected to generate approximately 4,000 megawatts (MWe) of electricity 4

5 Bruce Power New Nuclear Power Plant Project 5

6 OPG Deep Geologic Repository Project - Background December 2005 CNSC received a licence application from Ontario Power Generation a deep-geologic disposal facility to manage low and intermediate-level radioactive waste to be located at the Bruce Nuclear Site waste would consist of industrial items and used nuclear components (but not used fuel) 6

7 Deep Geologic Repository Project on existing Bruce Nuclear Site 7

8 The CNSC The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and material to protect health, safety, security, and the environment and to respect Canada s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy 8

9 Areas Regulated by CNSC 9

10 Nuclear Facilities Legislation CNSC operates and enforces regulation under: Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) CNSC must adhere to other Acts of Parliament: Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA) 10

11 Licensing under the NSCA Bruce Power and the DGR Projects = Class I nuclear facilities Generally, separate licence required for each phase of nuclear facility lifecycle: site preparation construction operation decommissioning abandonment 11

12 Licensing under the NSCA No licensing decision can be made unless an Environmental Assessment (EA) is conducted EA carried out to meet the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Only one EA required for all phases of a nuclear facility 12

13 Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency Role is to provide Canadians with high-quality Environmental Assessments (EAs) Administers the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act Accountable to the Minister of the Environment 13

14 Environmental Assessments EA is a process to predict the environmental effects of proposed initiatives before they are carried out Minimize or avoid adverse environmental effects before they occur Incorporate environmental factors into decision making 14

15 Environmental Assessments Four types of EAs: screenings, comprehensive studies, review panels, mediation Review panels: greatest opportunity for public participation encourage open discussion and exchange of views 15

16 Review Panels Projects may be referred to a review panel: When they have the potential to result in significant adverse environmental effects, or Where public concerns warrant Panel members selected on the basis of their knowledge and expertise Panels hold Public Hearings Prepares EA report - summarizing the panel s findings and recommendations 16

17 Proposed Joint Review Panel (JRP) Process Minister of the Environment referred both projects to review panels in June 2007 JRP will conduct the EA and make the licence application Reduces duplication Separate JRP s for each of the projects A public hearing for each project Public registry maintained for each project 17

18 DRAFT JRP Agreement One of two key documents out for public comment ends June 18 Agreement describes: panel membership scope of the project and scope of the assessment terms of reference for the review panel final report 18

19 Proposed Panel Membership Three member panel Two members from the CNSC One member appointed by federal Minister of Environment Panel conducts the EA under CEAA and decides on the licence application under the NSCA 19

20 Draft EIS Guidelines Second of two key documents out for public comment ends June 18 Outlines information required in the EIS: existing environment project description environmental effects potential malfunctions and accidents alternatives References information required for the JRP to consider the licence application of each project 20

21 Process to Review Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) Panel determines if EIS conforms to EIS Guidelines Public will have six months to review EIS for Bruce Power Project Public will have three months to review the EIS for the DGR Project Length of time for public review will be longer if proponents require additional time to respond to JRP information requests 21

22 JRP Report JRP will submit a report to Government Government response to panel report brought forward to Governor in Council for approval JRP will make a licensing decision unless the EA concludes that the project results in significant adverse environmental effects that cannot be justified 22

23 Key Public Participation Opportunities Draft JRP Agreements until June 18 Draft EIS Guidelines until June 18 Review of EIS: Bruce Power Project: ~Aug. Feb. 09 DGR Project: ~ May Aug Local Public Hearings: exchange of views on EIS and licensing information 23

24 Next Steps Please review and provide written comments by June 18 on: Draft EIS Guidelines Draft JRP Agreements EIS Guidelines and JRP Agreements expected to be finalized by July 18,

25 Other Timelines Bruce Power Project Phase II-Participant Funding: Early Aug. 08 Appointment of Panel: ~ Late Aug. 08 Proponent submits EIS:~ Late Aug. 08 Public review of EIS: ~ Aug. 08 Feb. 09 Participation in Public Hearings: ~ April 09 EA and Licensing Decisions: TBD 25

26 Other Timelines DGR Project Phase II-Participant Funding:~ Jan Appointment of Panel: ~ Jan Proponent submits EIS:~ April 2011 Public review of EIS: ~ May Aug Participation in Public Hearings:~ Jan EA and Licensing Decisions: TBD 26

27 Contact Information Tel: Bruce.Review@ceaa-acee.gc.ca DGR.Review@ceaa-acee.gc.ca