CNA Welcomes Government's Approval of EA for Darlington New Nuclear Plant

OTTAWA, May 2, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) today welcomes the Government of Canada's approval of recommendations made in the Environmental Assessment (EA) Report by the Joint Review Panel on the Darlington New Nuclear Plant Project. The proposed project is being led by Ontario Power Generation (OPG).

"We are proud of OPG's extensive work and the thorough studies that were undertaken as part of this environmental assessment," said Denise Carpenter, CNA President and CEO. "Last August, the federal panel announced that the Darlington New Nuclear Project will not result in any significant adverse environmental effects, and we are very pleased to see the Government of Canada accept that decision today."

This proposed project is an important step in fulfilling Canada's growing energy demands. New nuclear units are an integral part of the electricity supply and consistent with the direction of the Government of Ontario's commitment to maintaining nuclear power at 50 per cent of the province's energy supply in the Long-Term Energy Plan.

"We were encouraged by the large participation in the hearings and appreciate the communities, individuals, and groups that participated in the 2011 public review process," added Carpenter.

On April 2, 2011, the CNA made a presentation to the Joint Review Panel on the proposed project based on economic benefits, environmental effects, and safety considerations in the nuclear industry as a whole. The CNA emphasized the benefits it would bring to the communities in the Durham region. Highly skilled jobs, opportunities for education and fulfilling careers, clean and reliable electric power, and a strong local economy are examples of what the Darlington nuclear station currently provides, and what could be further enhanced with additional nuclear units.

Canada's nuclear sector is a $6.6 billion per-year industry. Every year, the industry generates $1.5 billion in federal and provincial taxes, and provides rewarding careers, directly and indirectly, to roughly 71,000 women and men who mine uranium, generate and support the production of electricity, and contribute to innovations in nuclear technology including research and medicine.

"The new Darlington Project alone has the potential to employ up to 7,500 workers, directly and indirectly, all across Ontario," said Ms. Carpenter.

OPG now awaits a decision by the Joint Review Panel, as a panel of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, on the next key milestone: the issuance of the site preparation licence. The site preparation licence is the first of three licences required to build and operate a new nuclear facility in Canada.

Background:

CNA News release on April 2 during the JRP Hearing
http://www.ceaa.gc.ca/050/documents/51695/51695E.pdf

OPG Takes Another Step Toward Site Preparation at Darlington - May 2 News Release
http://www.opg.com/news/releases/20120502DNNP%20EA%20decision%20Media%20Release%20FINAL.pdf

OPG Darlington New Nuclear Plant Project website
http://www.opg.com/nb/index3.asp

Kathleen Olson
Director of Communications
CNA
Ols[email protected]