Archived - JEB Tailings Management Facility Expansion Project

McClean Lake Operation (SK)

Reasons for a Federal Assessment
Project Description
Final Decision

Reference Numbers

Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry: 11-01-65479
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission: ~~~~

Environmental Assessment Type

Screening

Responsible or Regulated Authorities

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission

Reasons for a Federal Assessment

On December 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.

Project Description (as posted in the Notice of Commencement)

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received a project description from AREVA Resources Canada's (AREVA) for a licence amendment to expand the JEB Tailings Management Facility (TMF) at the McClean Lake Operation.

AREVA is proposing to expand the existing JEB TMF to increase the storage volume for tailings generated from milling activities. The project includes the construction of an embankment around the JEB TMF perimeter and placement of a processed waste rock/till bentonite amended liner to contain the pond. The proposed expansion would increase the elevation of the stored tailings from 434 metres above sea level (m ASL) to 465.5 m ASL. Further, the expansion would add approximately 4.5 million cubic meter of additional tailings capacity. It is estimated that this increased tailings management capacity will expand the useable life span of the existing JEB TMF by 25 years, based on current mining predictions.

CNSC authorization to perform the requested activities requires an amendment to the McClean 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 AREVA'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.