Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ltd.’s Decommissioning License for Whiteshell Laboratories Renewed
OTTAWA, ON – December 16, 2024 – The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has renewed Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ltd.’s (CNL) licence to decommission the Whiteshell Laboratories facilities in Pinawa, Manitoba. The licence renewal will allow CNL to continue its ongoing decommissioning activities at the site for an additional ten years, until December 31, 2034.
The Whiteshell Laboratories facilities were established in the 1960s and were used to conduct research and development in support of Canada’s nuclear power program. Decommissioning activities at the site began in 1999 and are expected to be completed by 2065.
The CNSC’s decision to renew CNL’s licence is based on a thorough review of the company’s decommissioning plan and its performance to date. The CNSC is satisfied that CNL has the necessary expertise and resources to carry out the decommissioning activities safely and effectively.
“The CNSC is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians and the environment,” said Rumina Velshi, President and CEO of the CNSC. “We have reviewed CNL’s decommissioning plan and are satisfied that the company has the necessary measures in place to carry out these activities safely.”
CNL has been working closely with the CNSC and other stakeholders to develop a decommissioning plan that is both safe and cost-effective. The plan includes a range of activities, such as:
- Decontaminating and dismantling buildings and equipment
- Removing and disposing of radioactive waste
- Monitoring the environment to ensure that it is not contaminated
CNL is committed to engaging with the public and stakeholders throughout the decommissioning process. The company has established a Community Liaison Committee to provide information about the project and to address any concerns.
“We are pleased that the CNSC has renewed our licence to decommission the Whiteshell Laboratories facilities,” said Mark Lesinski, President and CEO of CNL. “We are committed to completing this project safely and efficiently, and to working closely with the community and stakeholders throughout the process.”
The CNSC will continue to monitor CNL’s decommissioning activities at the Whiteshell Laboratories facilities to ensure that they are carried out safely and in accordance with the company’s licence.
About the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
The CNSC is an independent regulatory agency that regulates the use of nuclear energy in Canada. The CNSC’s mandate is to protect the health and safety of Canadians and the environment. The CNSC regulates nuclear power plants, uranium mines and mills, and nuclear research facilities.
About Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ltd.
CNL is a federally owned corporation that operates research and development facilities in support of Canada’s nuclear power program. CNL is responsible for decommissioning the Whiteshell Laboratories facilities in Pinawa, Manitoba.
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