[cdn-nucl-l] Further on the Pickering A Environmental Screening

["Brown, Morgan" <brownmj@aecl.ca>]

From the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, at
http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/media/press/010216.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE 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 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.