The Evolution of CNL’s Plan for the Holistic Cleanup and Revitalization of the Chalk River Laboratories SIte

Abstract

The Overview Decommissioning and Cleanup Plan (ODCP) is Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) evolution toward a more holistic view for the progressive cleanup and revitalization of Chalk River Laboratories (CRL). This plan complies with all applicable regulatory requirements. It also provides an improved strategic approach to the development of decommissioning and remediation plans for the site's buildings, infrastructure and contaminated lands.

To sustainably address the complex nature of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s legacy liabilities at the Chalk River site, the scope of the ODCP has been expanded. While previously having a focus on decommissioning, the ODCP now goes beyond current regulatory requirements to include details on contaminated lands, future land use, and proposed enabling facilities needed to support timely waste management and cleanup. CRL is assumed to remain operational indefinitely in support of a renewed science and technology mission, therefore, the future land uses being considered as part of site cleanup currently include ongoing industrial use plus unrestricted and parkland (recreational) use. Planning also considers the need to optimize cleanup, not only based on limited waste storage and disposal availability but also efficiencies achieved using risk-based cleanup criteria.

The ODCP is being guided by a proactive approach to stakeholder engagement and Indigenous engagement. The CRL Community Advisory Panel (CAP), initiated in September 2021, is a new engagement mechanism that is being used to support cleanup-related projects and site revitalization activities. The objective of the CAP is to bring new voices from local communities into the dialogue with CNL. The plan will continue to evolve, reflecting resolutions to any public and Indigenous feedback and concerns.