Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) is thrilled to announce that the Port Granby Project was a finalist for a prestigious 2024 Brownie Award in the sustainable remediation category. This recognition celebrates the ongoing commitment to sustainability as part of the mission of the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) projects. The successful completion of the Port Granby Project is an example of the positive impact remediation activities have made on both the community and the environment.
The Brownie Awards is self described to recognize the builders, innovators and visionaries who are dedicated to the rehabilitation of brownfield sites that were once contaminated, under-utilized and undeveloped into productive residential and commercial projects that contribute to the growth of healthy communities across Canada. The Port Granby Project, which focused on the safe relocation and long-term storage of historical low-level radioactive waste stored on the shores of Lake Ontario, was selected as a finalist for its innovative approach to cleaning up this once-contaminated area and demonstratable outcomes for the site as a Nature Reserve.
“We’re incredibly proud to be a finalist for such a distinguished award,” said Scott Cameron, General Manager, responsible for the PHAI. “The Port Granby project is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of our team members. Together, we are making a real difference in improving Canada’s environmental footprint and inspiring others toward a sustainable future.”
Back – Allan McMurray, Matthew Graves, Front – Anthony Burke, Shernette Muccuth Henry, Scott Cameron, Bill Daly, Ajit Ghuman
The project saw the relocation of 1.3 million tonnes of contaminated soil from the shores of Lake Ontario and the planting of over 20,000 trees as part of the important environmental restoration effort. A first in Canada, the engineered mound design used to store the waste is a proven solution used around the world, designed to isolate the waste from the environment. The mound is built to resemble a drumlin or hill in Port Granby, in alignment with the wish of the local community that the mound blend in with its surrounding environment. The project also included construction of a dedicated waste-water treatment plant and supporting infrastructure.
Based on a community-driven proposal submitted to the Government of Canada in 2015, the remediated lands will be incorporated into plans for a nature reserve. This includes the development of a co-management model and the renewal of the original stewardship plan to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems, values and rights into planning, operating and caring for the lands and waters within the nature reserve.
Being nominated for the Brownie Award is an honor that reflects CNL’s ongoing dedication to environmental stewardship. While the recognition is an achievement, CNL remains focused on continuing efforts to create a cleaner tomorrow for generations to come, specifically with the Port Hope Project.
The 2024 winners were announced at Brownie Awards ceremony held on November 18, and included categories like Sustainable Remediation, Partnerships and Community Engagement, Best Small Project and Best Large Project. CNL extends congratulations to this year’s winners.
