In June 2022, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) Commission held Part 2 of the public hearing to consider Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) application to amend its nuclear research and test establishment operating licence for the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) site. The amendment would authorize the construction of the proposed Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) for low-level radioactive waste.
Following that hearing, the Commission issued a procedural directive that the record be kept open to allow more time to receive further evidence and/or for more engagement and consultation to take place with Kebaowek First Nation and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation.
The Commission invited additional submissions from Kebaowek First Nation, the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, CNL and CNSC staff in respect of further consultation regarding the NSDF project, to be filed by January 31, 2023.
Further to requests made by Kebaowek First Nation and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation in December 2022, the Commission has agreed to extend the deadline for filing submissions to May 1, 2023.
Kebaowek First Nation and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation also requested to present orally at a public hearing. The Commission’s decision and directions on this request will be communicated to hearing participants through the Commission Registry by January 30, 2023.
CNL welcomes the opportunity to further engage with Kebaowek First Nation and the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation and remains committed to engaging with all interested Indigenous Nations and organizations, stakeholders, and the public.
Photo caption: Kebaowek First Nation onsite field research at the proposed NSDF site
