Implementing Best Available Technology for Water Treatment at the Port Hope and Port Granby Low-level Radioactive Waste Cleanup Projects

Abstract

Through the use of a systematic and flexible developmental strategy, AECL has been able to specify water treatment requirements for the PHAI's two low-level radioactive waste cleanup projects that are examples of using Best Available Technology (BAT). These will result in substantially reduced loadings of radium-226, arsenic, uranium and other contaminants associated with the waste to Lake Ontario, when compared to the option of simply continuing to use existing water treatment facilities at the project sites. Pilot scale studies carried out by AECL in 2010 have confirmed that individually distinct BAT water treatment process for the two projects can achieve the high contaminant removal efficiencies required to make the water quality improvements. Results of the pilot scale studies have also successfully provided the necessary detailed design requirements and specifications to enable completion of the water treatment facility construction and commissioning stages as part of the PHAI.