Archived - Eagle Point Water Management Project

Saskatchewan (SK)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Final Decision

Archived Content

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Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 10-01-57776
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission: ~~~~

Environmental Assessment Type

Screening

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On August 17, 2010, it was determined that an environmental assessment was required in relation to the project because the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission considered taking action in relation to subsection 24(2) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received a project description from Cameco Corporation (Cameco) to establish a new reverse osmosis (RO) mine water treatment plant and discharge system. This system will be constructed at the Eagle Point mine (Eagle Point) at Cameco's Rabbit Lake Operation to ensure adequate water handling systems are in place to permanently accommodate planned mine development and associated mine water inflow.

Cameco is proposing the following construction activities:

  • site preparation activities to support the construction of the Project;
  • construction of an RO water treatment plant (RO plant);
  • construction of a holding pond and associated piping systems to feed the RO plant;
  • establishment of a new discharge point from the RO plant to Collins Bay adjacent to Eagle Point's surface facilities; and
  • installation of pipelines to connect the proposed RO plant to the existing water handing system.
CNSC authorization is required for Cameco to carry out the proposed water management project. This requires an amendment to Cameco's Uranium Mine Operating Licence, pursuant to subsection 24(2) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA).

Before the Commission may consider a decision on licensing under the NSCA regarding Cameco's proposal, a screening level environmental assessment (EA) must be completed in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. The purpose of an EA is to identify the possible environmental effects of a proposed project, and determine whether these effects can be mitigated before the project is allowed to proceed.

Final Decision

On July 6, 2012, the new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 came into force which replaced the former Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. As a result, there is no longer a requirement to complete the environmental assessment of this project.