Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission's issuance of a procedural direction in the matter of an application from Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL). CNL's application was for an amendment to its nuclear research and test establishment operating licence for Chalk River Laboratories (CRL), to authorize the construction of a near surface disposal facility for solid low-level radioactive waste at the CRL site. The CRL site is located in Deep River, Ontario, on the traditional unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg peoples. In issuing its direction, the Commission considered oral and written submissions from CNL, CNSC staff and 165 intervenors, including Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), the owner of the CRL site, and 8 Indigenous Nations and communities.
The Commission is leaving the record open to allow more time for engagement and consultation with Kebaowek First Nation and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, and for the filing of additional information about these consultative efforts. The Commission will allow Kebaowek First Nation, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, AECL, CNL and CNSC staff to file additional information, with a deadline of January 31, 2023.
