Project safely removed a significant nuclear liability from the Québec nuclear site, enabling decommissioning and advancing long-term environmental stewardship
Chalk River, ON – July 4, 2025 – Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology organization, is pleased to announce the successful completion of the Gentilly-1 Fuel Consolidation Project, marking a significant achievement in Canada’s broader nuclear decommissioning environmental remediation program. CNL undertook this work on behalf of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), the federal Crown corporation that has contracted CNL to manage and operate its sites and facilities across the country.
With the secure transfer of all used nuclear fuel from the Gentilly-1 Waste Management Facility (G1WF) site in Québec to Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) completed ahead of schedule, CNL has safely removed a major nuclear liability and cleared the way for the next steps in the decommissioning and environmental remediation of the facility, located in Bécancour, Québec.
The preparation, packaging and transportation of the used fuel was carried out safely and efficiently and brought together expertise from across CNL. Prior to commencing the work, CNL shared information about the robust safety, security, and emergency preparedness measures in place with federal, provincial and regional stakeholders, and with Indigenous Nations, communities and organizations.
“The efficient and safe completion of this important project reflects the deep expertise CNL has developed through years of complex, technical work in nuclear material management,” said Mark Chapman, senior director of the Fuel Program. “The project required detailed planning and coordination, including the development of specialized fuel-handling systems, and enhancements to storage infrastructure at CRL.”
As outlined in CNL’s comprehensive Integrated Waste Strategy, the fuel is now securely stored in modern purpose-built canisters at the Chalk River Laboratories – where it will remain until the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s planned long-term disposal facility for used nuclear fuel becomes available. CNL’s strategy is aligned with Canada’s national policy to reduce the number of waste sites by centralizing the safe and secure storage of fuel waste.
“The successful delivery of this project is a reflection of the expertise, dedication, and collaboration across our entire organization,” said Jack Craig, CNL President and CEO. “It demonstrates CNL’s commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and the responsible management of Canada’s nuclear legacy. My sincere thanks go to the many people—within CNL and among our partners—who made this achievement possible.”
Earlier this year, CNL submitted an application to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to amend the G1WF’s licence to authorize decommissioning activities. The CNSC has announced a public hearing in writing, scheduled for July 2026, to consider the proposed amendment for the Gentilly-1 Decommissioning Project. As part of this regulatory process, the public and Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations will be invited to review and provide input on CNL’s plans. If approved, the amended licence would permit CNL to begin decommissioning all remaining buildings and structures at the site.
Pictured: Members of CNL’s Environmental Stewardship Council had an opportunity to view the transportation flask and receive a briefing on the fuel consolidation work during a visit to the Chalk River Laboratories in 2024 June.
