The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has given the green light to Ontario Power Generation (OPG) to build and operate a component storage structure at the Pickering Waste Management Facility.

OPG says the structure is required for the storage of low- and intermediate-level waste resulting from potential refurbishment activities of Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS) Units 5 to 8 and future PNGS Units 1 to 4 decommissioning activities.

The CNSC says its decision does not authorize the refurbishment activities at the PNGS, and will require a separate application from OPG for that work.

In making its decision, the Commission considered written submissions from OPG, CNSC staff and nine intervenors. After reviewing all submissions, the Commission concluded that OPG is qualified to carry on the activities that the amended licence will authorize. 

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public. The Commission is a quasi-judicial administrative tribunal set up at arm’s length from government, independent from any political, government or private sector influence.