Ontario Power Generation
EA PROCESS
An overview of the process for licensing new nuclear power plants in Canada is available from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in their information document “Licensing Process for New Nuclear Power Plants in Canada”. In summary, it states there are five phases in the life-cycle of a nuclear power plant, and each phase requires a separate licence. The five phases are:
- a licence to prepare a site;
- a licence to construct;
- a licence to operate;
- a licence to decommission; and
- a licence to abandon.
The CNSC information document states that before any licensing decision can be made with respect to a new nuclear power plant, an environmental assessment (EA) must be completed with a decision that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects with the available mitigation measures. If the decision on the EA is negative, the project will not proceed to the licensing process.
An EA commences when the CNSC determines that an EA is required. There are seven main steps in the EA process, as described by the CNSC:
- Determine if EA is required under CEAA;
- Identify authorities involved in EA process;
- Plan the EA - Determine how it will be conducted;
- Conduct analysis and prepare EA Report;
- Review the EA Report;
- Make an EA decision; and
- Implement mitigation measures and follow-up program, as appropriate.
More information on the CNSC and the "Licensing Process for New Nuclear Power Plants in Canada" information document is available on the CNSC Web site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca.
OPG Submits Darlington B Project Description
On April 17, 2007, Ontario Power Generation submitted a Project Description for the Darlington B Nuclear Generating Station to the CNSC.
The Project Description is intended to allow CNSC staff to evaluate the scope of the project and the required EA. As well, it acts as a means for other federal departments and agencies to identify whether they are likely to exercise a power in respect of the project or be in possession of specialist or expert information that is necessary to conduct the EA.
The document will also help in the early identification of any potential environmental effects that should be included in the EA work.
For more details, you can review the Project Description by clicking below.
Last Updated April 18, 2007
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