Public Hearings for BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Licence Renewal Taking Place in Toronto and Peterborough

Image: Zach Ruiter

BWXT Nuclear Energy’s facility in Toronto near Lansdowne and Dupont, converts raw uranium powder into fuel pellets. These fuel pellets are used in nuclear generating stations, including stations in Ontario.

BWXT is applying to renew its Class IB fuel facility operating licence for 10 years. The licence covers operations in Toronto and Peterborough. (Note: these facilities were once GE facilities. BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. acquired GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada Inc. in 2016.)

The Toronto facility is located at 1025 Lansdowne Ave., and has been at this location since 1955.  

Two public hearings are taking place in Toronto, March 2nd and 3rd, and Peterborough, March 5th and 6th, 2020. 

Toronto Dates: March 2 and 3, 2020 

Location: Casa Do Alentejo Community Centre, 1130 Dupont Street, Toronto, Ontario 

Time: Has not been set as of yet, it will be published prior to the hearing date. 

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) offers online videos, or webcasts, of its Commission public hearings and meetings.

You can view the webcast here.

The process of making these pellets involves pressing and grinding radioactive uranium with other toxic compounds in large furnaces. Raw uranium, the finished pellets, and various toxic and radioactive materials are regularly transported to and from the plant by truck. BWXT also moves materials in and out of the GTA via train. 

In 2013, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper (LOW) commented on the GE’s Toronto facility licence.  LOW’s concerns for the site were whether releases to Toronto’s sewer system contained toxic materials. The previous licence allowed BWXT to discharge 9,000 kg of uranium a year.  

Link to 2013 LOW Article: http://www.waterkeeper.ca/blog/25822?rq=CNSC%20Toronto

Local residents also had concerns in 2013 and brought them to light through the public hearings.

If you are interested in commenting or participating in the public hearings check out the links below.

Comment submissions are due before the January 27, 2020 deadline. You may use the online request form found on the CNSC’s website here.

To observe or actively participate click here.

Waterkeeper will be participating in the 2020 hearings and will publish our written analysis when it is completed.