Conference program
November 24, 2011 |
Regulating uranium mines and mills in Canada – Applying science and research in regulatory decision making |
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; and to implement Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This includes the regulation of uranium mining and milling. In fulfilling its responsibilities under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, the CNSC draws on multidisciplinary groups of scientists and engineers to review license applications, conduct technical assessments and to conduct independent verification of regulated activities. For example, the regulation of uranium mining and milling draws on experts in various fields of knowledge such as civil, chemical and mechanical engineering, geology, hyrdrogeology, surface hydrology, geophysics, wildlife biology, health physics and epidimeology. In order to support its decision making, the CNSC may require licensees to fund research activities to increase knowledge and understanding in new areas or areas of uncertainties, or to further investigate events and their potential root causes. In addition, the CNSC also funds an extramural research program to obtain knowledge and information needed to support its regulatory mission. The program provides CNSC with access to independent advice, expertise, experience, information and other resources via contracts, grants and contributions placed in the private sector, and with other agencies and organizations in Canada and elsewhere. For example, as with all mining activities, uranium mining and milling produces waste rock and tailings requiring long term management. A proposed uranium mine and mill in Nunavut presents a unique challenge in long term tailings management. The CNSC has initiated a research project to develop mathematical and numerical models to predict permafrost degradation within continuous permafrost zones, due to mining disturbances in Canadian northern climates. The project is expected to provide the CNSC with adequate and independent knowledge in order to make well-informed recommendations to the Commission Tribunal on the acceptability of uranium mine tailings management facilities built in continuous permafrost zones. The CNSC will continue to rely on its internal expertise, coupled with licensee or CNSC lead research projects to improve our knowledge in order to support our mandate in regulating Canada’s nuclear related activities in order to protect people and the environment. |
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