On July 11, 2023, a CNL worker observed a spill of biodegradable hydraulic oil from a crane involved in PHAI work in the Port Hope Harbour. Less than 1.0 litre of biodegradable fluid is estimated to have spilled on the ground and in the harbour. Upon detection, workers immediately placed absorbent pads around the oil and it was successfully recovered.
The biodegradable oil posed no hazard to the environment, and at no time was there a risk to the safety of workers or the public. CNL notified the appropriate regulatory agencies, including the Ontario Spills Action Centre and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, as well as the Municipality of Port Hope.
Work at the Port Hope Harbour & Centre Pier includes removal of harbour sediment by mechanical/hydraulic dredging and transportation of contaminated soil to Port Hope Long-Term Waste Management Facility. CNL will remove historic low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) and industrial waste from the Center Pier and restore Port Hope Harbour to its natural state.
CNL maintains a robust environmental protection program for all operations and activities in and around PHAI sites including monitoring for air quality, dust, noise, surface/ground water, soil, and socio-economic impact. Environmental monitoring data is reported regularly and made publicly available.
CNL is committed to the safety of the public, its workers and the environment while undertaking the PHAI on behalf of the Government of Canada through the crown corporation Atomic Energy of Canada Limited.