CNSC News Release
CNSC News Release
February 16, 2001

Following public hearings held on October 5, 2000 and December 14-15, 2000, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) today announced its decisions on an environmental assessment of Ontario Power Generation’s proposed return to service of the four reactors at the Pickering ‘A’ Nuclear Generating Station. The environmental assessment was prepared in accordance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA).

Environmental Assessment
The Commission, in making its decisions, considered the information contained in the environmental assessment Screening Report, in related submissions from CNSC staff, Ontario Power Generation, and intervenors at the public hearings held by the Commission, and in the comments received from the public throughout the year-long environmental assessment process.

The Commission decided that the proposed return to power operation of the four reactors, taking into account the mitigation measures described in the Screening Report, is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

The Commission also decided that public concerns expressed during the environmental assessment process do not warrant a referral of the project to the Minister of the Environment for further consideration by a mediator or review panel.

The above decisions on the environmental assessment do not permit the reactors to return to power operations. These decisions only permit the CNSC to proceed to consideration of the licence application under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. The licence application will be considered under the CNSC’s normal public hearing process.

A Record of Proceedings, including the Reasons for Decision are available on the CNSC web-site at http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca or by contacting the CNSC.

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