Archived - Rabbit Lake Tailings North Pit Expansion Project

Saskatchewan (SK)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Final Decision

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 11-01-63818
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission: ~~~~

Environmental Assessment Type

Screening

Other Assessment Process

Government of Saskatchewan

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Transport Canada

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On September 15, 2011, 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 and Transport Canada considered taking action in relation to section 5 of the Navigable Waters Protection Act.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received notice of intent and a project description from Cameco Corporation (Cameco) for an authorization to expand the Rabbit Lake Tailings North Pit.

Cameco is proposing to extend the life of the Rabbit Lake Operation (Rabbit Lake) by expanding the tailings capacity at the site. The Project consists of a number of modifications to existing facility components and processes as well as licensed activities at Rabbit Lake. The main aspect of the Project is increasing the tailings management capacity. The expansion will be achieved by increasing the approved capacity of the existing Rabbit Lake Tailings Management Facility (RLTMF) from the current 9 million cubic meters (Mm3) to 12 Mm3. The proposed expansion of the RLTMF will provide Cameco with an additional 3 Mm3 of tailings capacity which would support milling activities to approximately 2028 or longer.

CNSC authorization to expand tailings capacity, modify existing facility components and perform other licensed activities requires an amendment to the Rabbit Lake 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 simple 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.