Whiteshell Laboratories, Manitoba – 2024 December 16 – Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), Canada’s premier science and technology laboratory, is pleased to announce that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has renewed the licence for Whiteshell Laboratories Restoration Project (WLRP). The WLRP licence has now been renewed for a three-year period beginning January 1, 2025, allowing CNL to continue decommissioning and environmental remediation activities at the site, while demonstrating compliant licence performance.
“CNL is pleased with the CNSC decision to renew our license, which demonstrates regulatory confidence in our capabilities, planning, and personnel,” commented Monica Steedman, Vice President of Environmental Remediation Management at CNL. “While decommissioning work progresses, it is CNL’s mission to maintain an impeccable safety and performance record, adhering to all of our regulatory commitments, while engaging with the local communities and Indigenous Peoples to fully understand their vision for long-term management of Whiteshell’s waste.”
The renewed license was issued following a public hearing that was held virtually on October 23, 2024, when the Commission considered written submissions from CNL, CNSC staff and 11 intervenors. The Commission ultimately concluded that CNL remains qualified to carry on the activities that the renewed licence will authorize. The decision includes a new licence condition requiring CNL to report on its progress in implementing its integrated assessment plan at Whiteshell Laboratories.
During the approved three-year licence period, CNL intends to apply continuous improvement to the Safety and Control Area compliance programs and regularly assess their effectiveness over the short and long term. CNL will also finalize strategies for key decommissioning and environmental remediation activities, and ensure that it continues to communicate, collaborate and build relationships with Indigenous Nations, communities, organizations, and governments, working together to advance the Whiteshell Laboratories site toward closure.
To learn more about the WLRP, please visit www.cnl.ca/wl.
About CNL
As Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory, and working under the direction of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL), CNL is a world leader in the development of innovative nuclear science and technology products and services. Guided by an ambitious corporate strategy known as Vision 2030, CNL fulfills three strategic priorities of national importance – restoring and protecting the environment, advancing clean energy technologies, and contributing to the health of Canadians.
By leveraging the assets owned by AECL, CNL also serves as the nexus between government, the nuclear industry, the broader private sector and the academic community. CNL works in collaboration with these sectors to advance innovative Canadian products and services towards real-world use, including carbon-free energy, cancer treatments and other therapies, non-proliferation technologies and waste management solutions.
To learn more about CNL, please visit www.cnl.ca.
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CNL Contact:
Philip Kompass
Director, Corporate Communications
1-866-886-2325
media@cnl.ca
