The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision on January 9 to modify the operating license of Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) site at Chalk River to allow for the construction of a “near surface disposal facility” (NSDF). The NSDF project has been in the works for years, with CNL having initiated the environmental assessment process back in late 2015.
Over the years, many organizations, municipalities and individuals have voiced their opposition to the project, which would see roughly 1 million cubic meters of low-level nuclear waste interred in a raised mound on CNL’s property about 1 km from the Ottawa River. The majority of the waste is currently in temporary storage at the Chalk River site, with around 10% coming from other sites across the country.
The full details of the CNSC’s decision can be read here.
