To help inform a determination under section 82 of the IAA 2019 in relation to a Centralized Laydown Area project at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's Chalk River Laboratories site, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is inviting comments from the public. The Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) site is owned by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), a Federal Authority under the Impact Assessment Act 2019 (IAA 2019).  Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ltd is responsible for the management and operations of AECL's sites, including the CRL site, pursuant to a long-term contractual arrangement.

Patrick Quinn, Director

Corporate Communications

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Email: communications@CNL.ca

Proposed Project:

Centralized Laydown Area 

A centralized laydown area to support decommissioning activities is being proposed at the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), Chalk River Laboratories site.   The associated project activities will be carried out by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), the organization responsible for the management and operations of all AECL sites, including the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) site where this project is proposed.

The site for the proposed laydown area is on developed, heavily disturbed land with an approximate footprint of 3165m².  The physical activities associated with this project will include creating a concrete pad using repurposed aggregates and recycled concrete from the CRL site, installation of fencing and minimal earthworks to promote drainage in the area.

The intent of this centralized laydown site is to provide an area to house short-term storage of amalgamated waste prior to their relocation to the appropriate disposal areas on site.  This centralized area will improve the efficiency of disposition, reduce transportation and associated emissions and allow for storage of heavy equipment in closer vicinity to work sites. All physical activities will be conducted in accordance with the environmental policy that directs the management and operation of AECL's sites and all applicable legislation.