Saskatchewan

JEB Tailings Management Facility Expansion Project

Environmental Assessment start date:  December 15, 2011
Type:  Screening
CEAR reference number: 11-01-65479
Proponent: AREVA Resources Canada
Location: McClean Lake, Saskatchewan

Project Description

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.

Further Information

CNSC maintains a public registry of documents related to its environmental assessments. Lists and copies of documents may be obtained upon request. For questions or information directly related to this environmental assessment, please contact:

Marie-Pierre Grondin
Environmental Assessment Officer
Environmental Assessment Division
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P. O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5S9
Telephone: 1-800-668-5284
Fax: 613-995-5086
Email: EA@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.