Environmental Assessments

What is environmental assessment (EA)?

Environmental assessment is a process used by the provincial and federal governments to predict how planned construction may affect all aspects of the environment in the short, medium and long-term of the project. 

All aspects of the environment are considered including soil quality, water quality, fish and fish habitat, wildlife and wildlife habitat.

Potential impacts to cultural and heritage resources, and to the people and economy of the local community are also considered. 

Not only does the EA identify potential impacts, it also makes recommendations about how to minimize any negative impacts. 

Did the ministry conduct an EA for the Deloro Mine Site Cleanup Project?

Yes. The ministry completed a federal environmental assessment in June 2007, with revisions and resubmission completed in December 2008. 

The ministry had to meet the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Actbecause it applied to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) for a Waste Nuclear Substance License (WNSL) to safely manage the site’s low-level radioactive material. 

The EA must be completed, reviewed, and accepted by the CNSC before it will grant the ministry the Waste Nuclear Substance License. 

How much low-level radioactive material is on the Deloro mine site?
About two to six per cent of the waste material on the Deloro mine site consists of low-level radioactive material. The material, found in three general locations, will be stored and managed under two engineered covers, and in one engineered containment cell on the mine site property itself.
For more information on the federal EA requirements:
Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency website: www.ceaa-acee.gc.ca.

CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Provincial environmental assessment process
What is the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA)?
The Environmental Assessment Act (EAA), provides for the protection, conservation and wise management of the environment in Ontario by providing an accountable, logical and reproducible process of decision making. The EAA lays out a planning process and encourages environmental protection within the context of a broadly defined environment.
For more information:

1. Environmental Assessment

Is the Deloro Mine Site Cleanup Project subject to a provincial EA?
The ministry is exempt from the provincial environmental assessment (EA) process, but has developed the draft cleanup plan for the Deloro Mine Site in accordance with the principles of the EA process by:

• Developing alternatives to remediation and determining mitigation measures;
• Making responsible, informed environmental decisions that are clear and traceable; and
• Providing opportunities for public input to decision making.