Canadian Nuclear Commission canadienne Safety Commission de sûreté nucléaire
P.O. Box 1046 C.P. 1046 Station B Succursale B Meeting Minutes 280 Slater Street 280, rue Slater Ottawa, Ontario Ottawa (Ontario) E-Docs #:3436799 Canada K1P 5S9 Canada K1P 5S9 File/Dossier: 2.01 Date: August 28, 2009 Task #16200
MEETING CNSC OPG MINUTES SENT A. McAllister L. Swami TO R. MacDonald
DFO J. Peters S. Haayen D. Pawlowski J. Kwan-Czuppon
TC D. Zeit
CTA J. Woodward (teleconference)
EC S. Leonardelli N. Ali J. Fischer D. Gration D. Kim J. Moreno A. Thompson
HC M. Lalani
SUBJECT OBJET Workshop on Darlington New Nuclear Project – EIS
LOCATION OF OPG Head Office MEETING 700 University Ave., Toronto, ON ENDROIT DE LA Room 6 (Mezzanine Level) RÉUNION Date: Friday, August 28, 2009
Time/Heure: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
REMARKS L. Swami (OPG) welcomed everyone and went over the objectives of the workshop: familiarize Toronto-based federal authorities with OPG's EIS REMARQUES prior to government submission in September 2009; and, provide an
opportunity for federal authorities to learn about work OPG has undertaken in accordance with federal EA requirements.
A. McAllister (CNSC) provided introductory remarks and described the purpose of the workshop and the future role that the Joint Review Panel (JRP) will play in the OPG New Nuclear at Darlington Project. It was also noted that greater clarity regarding the submission and review process will be achieved following the formation of the JRP.
OPG Presentation OPG made a presentation to Federal Agencies/Departments located in the Greater Toronto Area. The presentation provided an overview of their EIS submission. OPG plans to submit the EIS/LTPS package on September 30, 2009. The presentation package is found under EDOCS # 3426900, 3436904, 3436905, 3436907, 3436910, and 3436913. OPG issued their own package to all attendees that includes copies of the presentation and other materials.
Comments/Questions Participants asked questions and provided comment on a range of subject matter concerning: • timing and sequencing of federal approvals; • EA scope regarding the forebay and transportation of fuel; • EA methodology and alternative considerations; • Cumulative effects regarding existing site features; • Net loss of water and bulk water transfer due to cooling towers; • Loss of bluff habitat; • Considerations regarding lake fill/soil removal; • Site layout options; and • Reactor design considerations.
MINUTES Name(s)/Nom(s) : Andrew McAllister WRITTEN BY
August 21, 2009
OPG New Nuclear at Darlington Project Contact Information for Federal Authorities
Name Contact Area of Responsibility Laurie Swami (905) 837-4540 Director Ext. 5203 Licensing and Environment Irene Dias (905) 837-4540 Admin. Assistant to L. Swami Ext. 5219 Leslie Mitchell (905) 837-4540 Manager Ext. 5233 Licensing and Approvals John Peters (905) 837-4540 Manager Ext. 5202 Overall Environmental Assessment, EIS, Physical Environment Assessment Donna Pawlowski (905) 837-4540 Manager Ext. 5201 Consultation, Communications, Aboriginal Relations Don Williams (905) 837-4540 Manager Ext. 5204 Design and Engineering
OPG New Nuclear at Darlington Environmental Assessment Laurie Swami, Director Licensing and Environment Darlington New Nuclear Project
New Nuclear at Darlington
Overview of the Environmental Impact Statement Presentation to Federal Agencies and Ministries August 28, 2009 1 ContentsContents
Background Project Overview Federal Review Process EA Work to Date 2 Purpose of Today’s Workshop
Context Setting OPG will submit to government, an Environmental Impact Statement for the OPG New Nuclear at Darlington Project this fall Large quantity of materials to be provided Early comments encouraged Interest in establishing protocol for ongoing contact to ensure efficient review
Today’s Objective To familiarize federal authorities with OPG’s documentation Describe the Project: 3 Background Phases
June 2006: OPG was directed by the Ontario Minister of Energy to begin a federals approvals process, including an environmental assessment, for new nuclear units at an existing site
September 2006: OPG submitted Application for Approval to Prepare a Site for the Future Construction of a Nuclear Power Generating Facility to the CNSC
April 2007: OPG submitted a Project Description to the CNSC September 30, 2009: OPG will submit the Environmental Impact Statement (approx. 1,000 pages), 28 Technical Support Documents (over 9,000 pages) and LTPS (approx. 4,000 pages) 4 Overview of the Project
The “Project” defined as:
Preparation of the Darlington Nuclear Site for up to four nuclear power reactors and up to 4,800 MW of electrical capacity, and associated facilities
Construction, operation and maintenance of nuclear reactors and associated facilities for approximately 60 years of full power electricity operation
Construction, operation and maintenance of appropriate nuclear waste management facilities, and
Preliminary planning for decommissioning and eventual abandonment of the nuclear reactors and associated facilities 5 Technology Selection
In March 2008, Ontario initiated a 2 phase competitive bidding process to select a nuclear vendor to build 2 new nuclear units at the Darlington site.
In February 2009, bids were received from 3 potential vendors (AECL, Areva and Westinghouse)
On June 29, 2009, the Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure announced that the Government of Ontario had suspended the “Request for Proposal” process to procure two reactors for the Darlington Site due to concern about pricing and uncertainty around AECL’s future. 6 Reactor Technologies
Reactor Vendor Single Size Type
AP-1000 Westinghouse 1100 MW New
EPR AREVA 1600 MW Innovative (Evolutionary Pressurized Reactor) ACR-1000 AECL 1200 MW New (Advanced Candu Reactor)
These reactors are all considered pressurized water reactors (PWR), with the ACR including a heavy water moderator system All require the use of slightly enriched uranium 7 New Nuclear Project - Major Structures/Facilities Project Description 8 Site Preparation & Construction Phases
Site Preparation Phase: Activities to prepare the site for construction including receipt and transport of heavy equipment Removal of up to 13 million cubic meters of soil Approximately 2 years
Construction Phase: Activities to construct the nuclear reactors & associated buildings Approximately 6 years (for first set of reactors) Darlington Nuclear Generating Station site during Site Preparation (1980) Project Description 9 Operations & Decommissioning Phases Operations Phase: Work & activities that would occur on site during routine operation and maintenance of the plant Darlington Turbine Hall Assumes 60 years of full power operation per reactor Mid-life refurbishment, if required Decommissioning Phase: Major activities associated with decommissioning the reactors Typically occurs about 30 Darlington years after the end of Generator operation Dismantling may take an additional 5 to10 years 10 Alternatives Considered in the EA
Condenser Cooling Systems Lake Water Cooling Natural Draft Cooling Towers Fan Assisted Natural Draft Cooling Towers Mechanical Draft Cooling Towers
Used Fuel Management Expand existing facility/storage structures Build a design-specific dry storage processing facility
Low and Intermediate-Level Waste Management New above ground storage facility on site
Harris Nuclear Transport off-site in licensed containers to licensed Power Plant, US facility 11 Bounding Condition for Potential Lake Infill
1978 2008 2012
Lake Ontario shoreline along Darlington property, up to 40 hectares Create cofferdam, dewater the area, fill with soil/rock from excavations Requires permits/approvals from provincial and federal authorities 12 Conceptual Plant Layouts
Principle buildings and structures
Site access
Switchyard expansion
Parking, construction facilities
Soil stockpiles, lake fill, land fill
Used fuel & nuclear waste storage 13 EA Study Areas/Spatial Boundaries
Site Study Area – existing Darlington site Local Study Area ~ 10 km from the Project Site Predict most environmental effects within LSA Regional Study Area ~ 50 km from the Project site Largely socio- economic effects Cumulative effects 14 Bounding EA Timelines/Temporal Boundaries
The dates shown are for EA study purposes. Actual start and in service dates have yet to be determined 15 CNSC Posted Schedule
Step Target Completion Dates EIS Guidelines Finalized Complete OPG Submission of EIS and LTPS Application, September 30 2009 Submission of DFO and TC Applications Intervenor Funding September 2009 JRP Announcement JRP determines whether to proceed with public review 14 days Six Month Public and Technical Review October to EIS and LTPS Application April/May 2010 Additional Information Request Response Time (not included in schedule) Hearing Notice May 2010 Hearing August/September 2010 JRP Report December 2010 Federal Government Response to JRP Report February 2011 LTPS Issued April 2011 DFO, TC Approvals 90 Days Post-EA Approval (*Contingent upon proponent's submission of required information ) 16 JRP Sufficiency Review
Conformity Check/Public Review (October 2009 to April/May 2010)
Purpose: to determine whether there is sufficient information to proceed to public hearing EIS, LTPS application and all supporting documents (43) released by JRP for government and public review (notice posted – TCD: October 15 2009) Federal Authorities, Review Agencies, Public and Intervenors undertake reviews on sufficiency of information JRP issues information requests to OPG for clarification and/or additional information OPG response to information requests JRP determination - sufficient information to proceed to hearing
OPG contacts will be available to provide clarification if needed (see package) 17 Environmental Impact Statement
Chapter Contents TSDs 1 Introduction 2 Description of the Project 2 3 Methodologies 4 Description of the Existing Environment 10 5 Effects Assessment and Mitigations 12 6 Other Likely Effects 7 Malfunctions, Accidents and Malevolent Acts 3 8 Cumulative Effects Assessment 9 Significance of Residual Effects 10 Communications and Consultation 1 11 Follow-up and Monitoring 12 Preliminary Decommissioning Plan 13 Conclusions 14 References 15 Special Terms 18 Chapters 1 and 2 Chapter 1 - Introduction Framework of EIS described for the reader Project overview (e.g. location, need, timelines, proponent) Regulatory requirements being met Scope of the assessment EIS content and organization 7-page table provides detailed linkages between EA Guideline Requirements and the EIS EIS is a detailed summary report Technical Support Documents are where detailed analysis is performed Chapter 2 – Description of the Project Alternative means Project scope for EA purposes Site Preparation and Construction Operations and Maintenance Model site layouts described Plant Parameter Envelopes introduced 19 Chapter 3
EA Methodology
Explanation of the EA process steps Description of how the EA is used as a planning tool
Plant Parameter Approach
Unique to this EIS is the use of a Plant Parameter Envelope (PPE) The EA uses PPE to effectively assess potential effects from a range of reactor types and units PPE represents limiting reactor and plant values. It serves as the conservative bounding framework for EA planning purposes Any reactor fitting within the PPE as assessed will be bounded by this EA 20 Chapters 4 and 5
Chapter 4 - Description of the Existing Environment Summary of the baseline conditions
Chapter 5 - Effects Assessment Structured approach to provide the overview of likely effects:
Summarizes effects on Valued Ecosystem Components Describes mitigation measures that may be applied Identifies residual adverse effects Summary table provided for all effects, mitigation and residual adverse effects Detailed analyses are identified in references to supporting TSDs 21 Chapter 6
Other Considerations in Effects Assessment
Three distinct sections: 1. Sustainability (assessed against 3 goals): Ecosystem protection Healthy living communities Economic development 2. Effects of the Environment on the Project: Flooding Severe weather Biophysical change Seismicity 3. Climate Change Considerations: Climate change models/potential effects Greenhouse gas emissions summary 22 Chapter 7
Malfunctions, Accidents and Malevolent Acts
Study includes: Conventional - oil spills, falls Radiological & Nuclear - radiation release from drop of nuclear waste container, damage to the fuel bundles, out of core criticality Malevolent Acts - intentional attempt to cause damage, such as airplane crash Mitigations: Robust plant design Qualified staff Comprehensive programs (environmental, safety) Extensive security program
Examined effects of unlikely radioactive release: Ontario Nuclear Emergency Plan 23 Chapter 8
Cumulative Effects Over 30 other projects and activities examined Some nearby projects overlap in time Detailed examination to determine whether any effects overlap Construction activities may coincide Traffic, nuisance effects Anticipated to be minor OPG will continue to work with other agencies responsible for these projects to ensure project effects are managed 24 Chapter 9 Significance of Residual Effects 13 environmental areas studied in detail 9 areas all measurable effects can be effectively mitigated and managed 4 areas with some remaining (residual) adverse effects, after mitigation: Aquatic Loss of some benthic invertebrates, Round Goby, from lake infill and cooling water intake and discharge structure during construction Impingement mortality & entrainment losses from cooling water usage during operations Terrestrial From site preparation activities, loss of: cultural meadow ecosystem, butterfly migratory habitat; and bank swallow nesting areas. Disruption to wildlife travel during site preparation and construction Visual Changes in visual setting due to cooling towers (if used) and vapour plumes Socio-economic Reduced enjoyment of private property and Darlington Nuclear site community & recreational features Negative change in community character associated with atmospheric cooling towers (visual effects) 25 Chapter 10
Communications and Consultation
Initiated in fall 2006, inputs to environmental studies
Six rounds to date, typically each round includes: Stakeholder Briefings/Updates/Presentations EA Newsletters , Stakeholder Project Update Letters Community Information Sessions
Ongoing Activities Stakeholder/Public Inquiry/Response Employee information sessions/lunch and learn Community Events, Presentations to Community Groups, etc.
Ongoing engagement with First Nations and Métis
OPG Participant Funding Program
Darlington Planning & Infrastructure Information Sharing Committee 26 Chapter 11
Preliminary Plan for EA Follow Up Program Key Commitments include:
Minimize fish effects from water intake and discharge Restore biodiversity to the environment by incorporating native plants, wetland areas and aquatic habitat in the restoration plan after site preparation is completed Protect and promote bank swallows and aerial foragers Undertake controlled removal and recording of archaeological and cultural features on site Implement Traffic and Nuisance Effects Management Plans 27 Chapters 12 and 13
Chapter 12 - Preliminary Decommissioning Plan Chapter 13 - Conclusions Minimal environmental effects predicted from New Nuclear at Darlington Primarily during site preparation and construction phase Primarily within 3 km of the site Can be managed, mitigated Proposed commitment to mitigation & follow-up actions Socio-economic Benefits EIS and Licence to Prepare Site application, when submitted, will be posted to OPG’s project website 28 Conclusion
Submission of EIS documentation – September 2009 Large amount of information materials for review Early comments are encouraged
OPG is available to support federal authority post-submission 29 Contact Us
Questions?
Please contact us: www.opg.com/newbuild 1-866-487-6006
WELCOME!
Welcome to Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) fifth round of Community Information Sessions on the environmental assessment (EA) for OPG’s New Nuclear at Darlington project.
We are here to:
n Share information about the New Nuclear at Darlington project n Update you on the progress of the EA n Answer any questions you may have n Get your feedback on our: • Preliminary results • Approach to the determination of significance
OPG staff and technical specialists are on hand to answer your questions – look for their nametags. This is an opportunity to learn more about the project and discuss your views and provide input. Please take a few minutes to talk to the team and fill out comment sheets while you are here.
www.opg.com/newbuild I n d ic at i v e t I M E L I n e and Key Milestones
Infrastructure Ontario Ontario Power Generation Infrastructure Ontario is responsible for Nuclear Procurement – Ontario Power Generation is responsible for the federal approvals managing a competitive request for proposal process to select a process for the new nuclear power plant at Darlington, nuclear reactor vendor and technology. including: Three vendors are participating: n An environmental assessment (EA) n AREVA NP n Licence to Prepare Site n AECL n Licence to Construct n Westinghouse Electric Company Ontario Power Generation will provide oversight to the A preferred vendor is to be selected in 2009, as per the construction of the plant. Ontario Power Generation will be the Infrastructure Ontario schedule and will be responsible for the operator of the new plant, once it is commissioned. construction of the new nuclear power plant.
Joint Review Panel The Joint Review Panel is responsible for the conduct of the environmental assessment of the Project and reviews the Application for the Licence to Prepare the Site. The Joint Review Panel will issue instructions and a timetable for the review that will include a public hearing. When complete, the Joint Review Panel will prepare a Joint Review Panel Report and submit it to the Minister of the Environment.
www.opg.com/newbuild Federal Environmental Assessment Roles and Responsibilities
Federal Authorities Review Panel OPG (Proponent)
Federal EA is required when: • Submitted Application • A Federal Authority provides for Site Preparation a licence, permit or approval (September 2006) enabling a project to be • Submitted Project carried out. Description (April 2007)
Panel Established Announcement of EA Commencement - Comprehensive Study (April 2007) Prepares and submits Panel holds Public Environmental Consultations on the • Determination of whether Impact Adequacy of the EIS Project will be referred to Statement based a Review Panel (March 2008) on EIS guidelines • Determination of Responsible Federal Authorities (August 2007) • Determination of Participant Funding (April 2008) Panel determination Provides if additional additional information is information Issue for Public Review: required • EA Guidelines - Scope of Proposed Project - Factors to be Considered • Panel Terms of Notice of Public Hearings Reference - Review Steps and Procedures - Timelines Responds to Questions from Public Hearing Review Panel and other Participants • Participant Funding Phase 2
Submits Report to Federal Minister of Environment and Responsible Authorities and Opportunities for Public Input is released to Public
Federal Responsibilities Cabinet Responds to Panel Review Panel Responsibilities Recommendations and Determines Acceptability of EA Proponent Responsibilities
www.opg.com/newbuild LicenceS
The Licence to Prepare Site ensures that the The revised Licence to Prepare Site site characteristics which have an impact on Application is expected to be submitted at health, safety, security and the environment the same time as the Environmental Impact can, and will be taken into consideration in Statement. The application will be subject to the design and operation of the new nuclear the same public hearing process under the power plant. The Licence permits works and Joint Review Panel. activities that result in being ready to start construction. The application must meet the The Licence to Construct permits the works requirements of the Canadian Nuclear Safety and activities to construct the new reactors Commission and includes information on: and associated buildings. The Licence to Construct application is expected to be n Applicant, Purpose, Site Description submitted in 2010. n Quality Assurance Program, including oversight of contractors n Site Evaluation and Environmental Effects n Public Consultation Program n Nuclear Security Program
www.opg.com/newbuild Elements in an Environmental Assessment
DESCRIBE THE PROJECT DESCRIBE THE ENVIRONMENT Project Scope Alternatives Study Areas - • Reactor • Site Layout Summer 2007 • Condenser Cooling • Nuclear Waste • Site, Local and Regional – Spring 2008 • Used Fuel Environmental Components Project Phases Baseline Characterization/Studies • Site Preparation & Construction Valued Ecosystem • Operations • Decommissioning Components
DETERMINE HOW THE PROJECT INTERACTS WITH THE ENVIRONMENT EFFECTS OF MALFUNCTIONS ENVIRONMENT Fall 2008 AND ACCIDENTS Environmental Effects – Mitigations – Residual Effects ON PROJECT – Spring 2009 • CUMULATIVE EFFECTS • SIGNIFICANCE OF RESIDUAL EFFECTS • FOLLOW-UP AND MONITORING PROGRAMS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT 2009
www.opg.com/newbuild Project Overview Works and Activities
Site Preparation & Construction Phase (2010 to 2025) Operation Phase Decommissioning Phase (2016 to 2100) (2100 to 2150)
Site Preparation & Construction
Unit 1 & 2
Unit 3 & 4
(Approx. 15-16 years)
Operations Unit 1 & 2
Unit 3 & 4
(Approx. 60 years)
Decommissioning Unit 1 & 2 Unit 3 & 4 EA Bounding Timeline (Approx. 50 years) The dates shown are for EA study 2010 2014 2018 2022 2026 2100 2150 purposes. Actual start and in-service Not to Scale dates have yet to be determined.
For EA purposes, the project is to construct and operate a nuclear power plant to generate up to 4,800 MW of baseload electricity from up to four nuclear reactors, to meet the future electricity requirements of the Province of Ontario. To assess the effects of the project, assumptions are made on the number of workers and key activities. These include:
Site Preparation and Construction Operations (approximately six to eight years for two units) (approximately 60 operating years for each set of reactors) Site Preparation may involve up to 400 workers Operations may involve up to 1,400 workers per year for (100 on-site; 300 off-site). Key activities include: each set of two units. Mid-Life Replacement or n Vegetation removal and earth-moving (cutting, Refurbishment may include an additional workforce of grading, creating berms, stockpiles) approximately 2,000. Key activities include: n Soil excavation and grading n Reactor commissioning (verifying systems, fuelling, n Bedrock excavation for foundations connecting to the grid, etc.) n Installation of power, water supply, n Plant operations and maintenance sewage systems, etc. n Waste/used fuel management (transfer of wastes n Marine and shoreline works and used fuel for interim or long-term storage) (including coffer dam and lake infill) n Mid-life major component replacement and/or refurbishment: steam generators; fuel channels Construction may involve a peak workforce of up to (ACR1000); reactor vessel head (EPR and AP1000) 3,500 workers for two units. Key activities include: n Installation of reactor components, steam Decommissioning generators, turbines, transmission lines (50 years for each set of reactors) n Construction of nuclear waste management facilities The key activities in decommissioning include: n Concrete batching plant on site, (unless product n Preparation for safe storage (de-fuelling and draining trucked to the Darlington site) reactors, removal and non nuclear materials, plant n Components, equipment and materials transported systems drained, de-energised and secured) to site by transport, rail, ship or barge n Safe storage and monitoring (approximately 30 years) n Dismantling, disposal and site restoration (approximately 10 years)
www.opg.com/newbuild Principal Buildings and Structures
To help describe the project, we consider what buildings and structures are needed to operate and maintain a nuclear power plant. These may include:
n A reactor building to house the n A radioactive waste storage reactors building n A turbine and generator building n A security building n A switch yard n Secure fencing around the site n A condenser cooling system n An area for parking (cooling towers are illustrative) n An administration building n A used fuel dry storage building n Ancillary buildings
www.opg.com/newbuild REACTORS
The three reactor types under consideration for the project are the AECL ACR-1000, the AREVA NP EPR and the Westinghouse AP1000. n AECL ACR-1000 has a rated electrical power of 1,085 MWe (net) n AREVA NP EPR has a rated electrical power of 1,580 MWe (net) n Westinghouse AP1000 has a rated electrical power of 1,037 MWe (net) These reactors are all considered pressurized water reactors (PWR).
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How does a nuclear reactor work? n The AREVA NP EPR and Westinghouse AP1000 reactor core consists of a vertical reactor vessel Nuclear power stations require heat to produce containing fuel assemblies. Both the coolant and steam to drive turbines and generators. In a nuclear moderator both use normal (light) water. The power station, the fission (splitting) of uranium reactor operates with up to 5% enriched uranium atoms creates the heat in the reactor. The primary fuel (low enriched fuel). coolant system transfers the heat from the reactor to the steam generator. In a PWR the primary coolant is n The ACR-1000 core consists of horizontal fuel also used as a moderator. channels in a reactor vessel called a calandria. Heavy water is used to slow down (or moderate) The steam formed in the steam generator is the neutrons released from the fuel. Normal transferred by the secondary coolant system to the (light) water is used as the secondary coolant. main steam turbine which spins the generator and For this reason the AECL ACR-1000 is considered a creates electricity. Pressurized Hybrid Light and Heavy Water Reactor. After passing through the turbine, the steam is The reactor operates with an average of 2.5% routed to the main condenser. The condenser enriched uranium fuel (slightly enriched fuel). removes excess heat from the steam, which allows the steam to condense. The condensed water is then pumped back to the steam generator for reuse.
www.opg.com/newbuild Condenser Cooling Options
In the EA, OPG considered alternative means of providing condenser cooling:
Lake Water Cooling n Heat is transferred from the condenser via cooling water to the lake through a discharge tunnel n Large volumes of lake water are brought through the plant by a lake bottom intake tunnel which is approximately 800 metres long (from the forebay to the intake structure) and approximately 7.5 metres diameter n The discharge tunnel has a nine metre diameter face area and is approximately 1,700 metres long n The tunnels may be constructed using a tunnel boring machine or by blasting
Natural Draft Cooling Towers n Heat is transferred from the cooling water to the atmosphere by evaporation in large concrete towers n Up to two natural draft cooling towers may be constructed for each unit (depending on the design) n Natural draft cooling towers are typically a hyperbolic shape (upside down funnel) and may extend to approximately 150 metres in height and 100 metres in diameter n Constructed of steel reinforced concrete
Fan Assisted Natural Draft Cooling Towers n The tower uses natural draft cooling processes with the addition of fans placed around the base of the tower to increase the air flow rate n Towers have a large base and are a hyperbolic shape similar to natural draft tower n Towers are about 50 metres in height
Mechanical Draft Cooling Towers n Heat is transferred from the cooling water to the atmosphere by a fine water spray n Long pipes in the towers spray downward and large fans (on top) pull air across the dripping water to remove the heat n Mechanical draft cooling towers are typically 20 metres in height and cover an area between 4 to 20 hectares
For All Cooling Towers n One or more ponds may be required to maintain circulating water quality n A trench would be required for the intake or outfall pipe, installed at a depth of approximately 10 metres n Water vapour plumes will be visible coming from the towers
www.opg.com/newbuild Used Fuel Management
Used nuclear fuel is fuel that has been used by a The fuels for the AP1000 and US EPR are very similar nuclear power plant to generate electricity. OPG to each other. Three potential dry storage systems has safely managed used nuclear fuel for nearly for pressurized water reactor (PWR) used nuclear 40 years. The used nuclear fuel is managed in a fuel are being considered: two-stage process: wet storage, which allows for n Metal casks that may be stored either indoors or initial cooling, followed by dry storage for longer outdoors on a concrete pad interim storage. n Concrete canisters with an outer vertical Used nuclear fuel from the new station will also concrete shield and inner steel liner that are be managed using a two-stage, wet and then dry generally used outdoors, on a concrete pad storage process. n Concrete modules within an outer horizontal For environmental assessment (EA) planning or vertical concrete shield vault and inner steel purposes, two interim on-site storage options liner that are generally located outdoors, on a will be considered: concrete pad 1. Expand the existing Darlington Waste Management storage structures Pressurized Water Reactor dry storage cask and transport 2. Build an additional used fuel dry storage processing facility on the site For EA purposes, there are two potential dry storage systems being considered for ACR1000 type used nuclear fuel, these include: 1. Dry storage containers (DSCs) stored in a warehouse type building similar to current operations at the Darlington Waste Management Facility Above-ground storage modules 2. Above-ground, air cooled storage modules at AECL Macstor Gentilly Quebec (AECL MACSTOR system) with fuel placed in canisters and transferred from the reactor to the storage facility in reusable casks
www.opg.com/newbuild Low and Intermediate-LEVEL Waste Management
Low-level radioactive waste includes materials such as mop heads, rags, paper towels, floor sweepings and protective clothing. Intermediate-level radioactive waste includes materials such as used reactor components, refurbished components, and resins and filters used to keep the reactor clean. Low and intermediate-level waste from the Low-level waste storage new reactors will be safely stored in a similar containers inside licensed facility manner as currently used regardless of the reactor selected and in a way that minimizes the volume of waste produced and stored. The EA includes two alternative means of managing low and intermediate-level waste: 1) Store the waste on the Darlington site in an above ground storage building 2) Transport waste off-site in qualified
Typical low-level waste storage building transportation packages to an appropriately licensed facility
Transportation of low and intermediate-level waste in qualified transportation packages
www.opg.com/newbuild Conceptual Plant Layouts
Conceptual plant layouts have been developed that represent different configurations of how the site will be developed. The actual layout will be determined and designed by the vendor selected to construct the project. The following graphic layouts illustrate the different conceptual plant layouts that have been considered in the environmental assessment.
PLANT
Maple Grove Road LAYOUT 1 401 PLANT South Service Road 401 SoilSoil Stockpile Stockpile LAYOUT 2 401
Park Road
Parking Temporary Holt Road Expanded Construction Facility Construction Transmission Landfill Station
Mechanical Draft Office Cooling Towers Area Trail Parking
Reactor Power Construction Block Laydown Area Darlington A
Lakefill Proposed Lakefill Discharge Wharf Channel
Existing Discharge and Intake Lake Ontario Proposed Intake Channel Lake Ontario Not to Scale Layout 2 is two reactor units with mechanical draft atmospheric cooling. A large land area is required for mechanical draft cooling towers
Maple Grove Road 401 PLANT South Service Road 401 Soil Stockpile LAYOUT 3 Layout 1 is four reactor units with once through lake water cooling. This option provides401 the
Park Road
mporary most space for the reactors Te Holt Road Construction Facilities Expanded Construction Transmission Parking Landfill Station
Office Area
Parking Trail Natural Draft Reactor Cooling Towers Power Block Construction Darlington A Laydown Area
Lakefill Proposed Discharge Wharf Channel Layout 3 is two reactor units with Existing natural draft atmospheric cooling.Discharge and Intake Lake Ontario Proposed Intake A large land area is required for Channel Lake Ontario natural draft cooling towers Not to Scale
www.opg.com/newbuild Lake Infill
Site preparation will involve excavation and Up to three million cubic metres may be placed handling of millions of cubic metres of soil as lake infill. The new landform may be up to and rock. For EA planning purposes we have 40 hectares in area: assumed that the maximum amount of soil n Fronting the shoreline from the westerly limit that may need to be excavated is 12 million of the existing Darlington Nuclear Generating cubic metres. Station intake channel to the easterly limit of OPG is examining the range of possibilities for the Darlington site managing the excavated soil and rock. The n Extending approximately 100 metres into the intention is to store as much of this soil and rock lake at its westerly limit to approximately on the Darlington site as possible. However, up 450 metres at its easterly limit to five million cubic metres may be transported off site up to 25 km. n The increased land created by lake infill may be utilized for construction and operational Up to four million cubic metres may be placed in activities the northeast quadrant on the Darlington site. Up to one million cubic metres may be placed in and adjacent to the existing Darlington soil stockpile in the northwest quadrant of the Darlington site.
1978 2008
www.opg.com/newbuild Elements in an Environmental Assessment
Current Work
DETERMINE HOW THE PROJECT INTERACTS WITH THE ENVIRONMENT EFFECTS OF MALFUNCTIONS ENVIRONMENT Fall 2008 AND ACCIDENTS Environmental Effects – Mitigations – Residual Effects ON PROJECT – Spring 2009 • CUMULATIVE EFFECTS • SIGNIFICANCE OF RESIDUAL EFFECTS • FOLLOW-UP AND MONITORING PROGRAMS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT 2009
www.opg.com/newbuild Atmospheric Environment
Valued Ecosystem Components Identified Mitigation Measures n Pathway to human health n Implement good dust and noise management practices to control dust emissions and noise n Pathway to non-human biota levels at the source n Pathway to VECs and other environmental n components (for example noise transfer to Ensure construction equipment is well animals in the Terrestrial Environment) maintained Likely Environmental Effects Likely Residual Adverse Effect During Site Preparation and Construction: (after mitigation) n n Localized increase in dust concentrations and No residual adverse effects noise levels During Operations: n Possible on-site fogging, water deposition and icing events from cooling tower operations (if used)
www.opg.com/newbuild Terrestrial Environment
Valued Ecosystem Components Identified Mitigation Measures n Cultural meadow and thicket ecosystem n Limit habitat alteration during bird breeding season n Shrub bluff ecosystem n Naturalize disturbed areas with native plants to n Wetland ecosystem restore communities and habitats n Woodland ecosystem n Develop opportunities to inform and educate the n Breeding birds public on Bank Swallow habitat n Waterfowl staging areas and winter habitat n Implement stormwater management techniques in n Migrant songbirds and their habitat Coot’s Pond during Site Preparation & Construction n Winter raptor feeding and roosting areas n Create new fish-free wetland ponds with riparian n Breeding and key summer habitat of amphibians plantings and reptiles n Verify wildlife usage of wildlife corridor and incorporate n Breeding mammals practical measures to maintain access for wildlife travel n Dragonflies and damselflies n Relocate rare plant species prior to Site Preparation n Migrant butterfly stopover area n Develop artificial Bank Swallow and other aerial forage n Wildlife corridors species (Chimney Swift, Purple Martin) habitat on site Likely Environmental Effects n Acquire lands with existing Bank Swallow colonies n Develop partnerships to research declines in aerial During Site Preparation and Construction: foragers in Ontario n Loss of wildlife habitat and linkages n Implement good industry management practices in n Removal of Bank Swallow nesting habitat the development of lighting systems and structures n Loss of rare plant species (Common Water Flaxseed, to reduce bird strikes and in the development of Cup Plant and Loesel’s Twayblade) security fencing to reduce bird entanglement During Operations: Likely Residual Adverse Effect n Potential bird strikes on new buildings and bird entanglement in security fencing during (after mitigation) construction and operations n Loss of approximately 40 to 50 hectares of cultural meadow ecosystem on-site n Loss of approximately 24 to 34 hectares of habitat currently used as butterfly stopover area n Decreased population of breeding birds on-site n Loss of nesting habitat for Bank Swallow n Bird strike mortality with cooling towers, if used n Periodic and short term disruption to wildlife travel (east-west corridor) during site preparation and construction These are carried forward to assess significance.
www.opg.com/newbuild Aquatic Environment
Valued Ecosystem Components Identified Mitigation Measures n Benthic invertebrates n Naturalization of new stormwater n Round Goby management ponds n Emerald Shiner n Salvage and relocation of aquatic plants and biota, n Alewife where practical, to a suitable existing or created n White Sucker habitat in advance of site preparation activities n Lake Sturgeon n Reduce impingement and entrainment with n Round Whitefish design and location of intake structure n American Eel n Lake Trout n Reduce extent of thermal effects with design and n Sport fish (Salmon and Trout) location of discharge diffuser n Lake Ontario near shore habitat n Development of fish habitat compensation plan n Darlington Creek and Darlington Creek n Capture and release fish from in-water work areas tributaries as work advances Likely Environmental Effects Likely Residual Adverse Effect During Site Preparation and Construction: (after mitigation) n Loss of aquatic habitat during site development, n Loss of some VEC species (benthic invertebrates, lake infilling and marine construction Round Goby) from lake infill and cooling service n Alteration of Darlington Creek habitat water intake and discharge During Operations: n Impingement mortality or entrainment losses associated with operation of once-through lake n Loss of local aquatic biota due to impingement water cooling option and less with the cooling and entrainment tower option These are carried forward to assess significance.
Near shoreline habitat at Darlington site.
www.opg.com/newbuild Surface Water Environment
Valued Ecosystem Components Identified Mitigation Measures n Pathway to human health n Implement good on-site stormwater management n Pathway to non-human biota n Implement good industry management n Pathway to VECs in other environmental practices during any activities such as lake components (for example, changes in surface water dredging, lake infill and lake blasting quality may affect fish in the Aquatic Environment) n Design discharge structure to mitigate potential environmental effects of thermal plume Likely Environmental Effects n Employ dust and sediment control measures to During Site Preparation and Construction: minimize suspended sediment concentrations n Changes in near-shore lake circulation patterns n Test and treat all effluents associated with n Dredging in the lake and construction of the wharf service water system and the pumphouse trash- would disturb lake sediments and create turbidity racks of the once-through cooling water system (if used) to comply with appropriate criteria for During Operations: surface water discharges to Lake Ontario n Reduced sediment loading to lake due to n Implement an adaptive management strategy to shoreline stabilization monitor and address any nuisance conditions in n Thermal discharges from service water and the embayment cooling water systems will likely result in minor n All cooling tower bleed-off will be directed increased near-shore lake water temperature to appropriate treatment system. Discharge n Warmer water temperatures and increased is likely to ultimately be to Lake Ontario algae in Lake Ontario at the mouth of via management measures designed to Darlington Creek may result from the accommodate sufficient volume for the system embayment created as the result of lake infill Likely Residual Adverse Effect n Cooling tower bleed-off will result in the ongoing discharge into Lake Ontario (after mitigation) n Removal of water from lake ongoing basis to be n No residual adverse effects released as water vapour into atmosphere
Beaver pond on Darlington site
www.opg.com/newbuild Geological and Hydrogeological Environment
Valued Ecosystem Components Identified Mitigation Measures n Pathway to human health n Stormwater management facilities will be n Pathway to non-human biota designed and implemented so as to optimize opportunities to recharge surface water to the n Pathway to VECs in environmental components groundwater regime (for example, loss of groundwater input to stream n could affect habitat in Aquatic Environment) Good stormwater management practices includes sediment control practices, stormwater conveyance systems and conventional Likely Environmental Effects stormwater treatment methods n Stormwater management facilities may affect n Design and implement stormwater management soil quality and groundwater quality features to contribute additional baseflow into n Possible increase in the concentration of Darlington Creek and reduce groundwater contaminants in groundwater drawdown area north of the Darlington site n Groundwater flow conditions will be changed permanently, however, the ultimate discharge Likely Residual Adverse Effect point will remain to be Lake Ontario (after mitigation)
n No residual adverse effects
Example of geological subsurface layers
www.opg.com/newbuild ABORIGINAL INTERESTS AND Physical and Cultural Heritage
ABORIGINAL INTERESTS PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE Valued Ecosystem Components Valued Ecosystem Components n Aboriginal community characteristics n Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian archaeological n Hunting and fishing for subsistence resources n Euro-Canadian built heritage resources n Fishing, trapping and traditional harvesting and collecting for sustenance recreational n Euro-Canadian cultural landscapes resources and economic purposes n Locations and features of cultural or Likely Environmental Effects spiritual significance During Site Preparation and Construction: n Displacement of three Euro-Canadian Likely Environmental Effects archaeological sites that have potential heritage value n No likely environmental effects n If the Project Works and Activities encroach Likely Residual Adverse Effect into the area, displacement of Burk Cemetery, (after mitigation) monument and plaque n No residual adverse effects Identified Mitigation Measures n Archaeological excavation and documentation n If necessary, relocate the Burk Pioneer Cemetery Monument and Plaque to a suitable off-site location Likely Residual Adverse Effect (after mitigation) n No residual adverse effects
Burk Pioneer Cemetery Monument
www.opg.com/newbuild Socio-Economic Environment
Valued Ecosystem Components Identified Mitigation Measures n Local and regional population n Continue to share information with local and n Education regional staff on the timing and magnitude of labour n Health and safety services requirements of the project n Local and regional economic development n Continue to work in partnership with government, n Tourism labour groups, educational institutes through existing n Agriculture liaison mechanisms and programs n Municipal revenues and financial status n Ensure security, emergency health care and fire services n Housing onsite for the construction workforce n Residential property values n Establish a comprehensive, mutually agreeable n Community character and image Community Agreement with Municipality of Clarington n Municipal infrastructure and services and Region of Durham n Community and recreational facilities and services n Implement a Traffic Management Plan to reduce n Ability to use and enjoy property disruption and maintain safe traffic conditions n Community cohesion n Implement a Nuisance Effects Management Plan for residential properties along transportation route Likely Environmental Effects n Maintain contribution to community through During Site Preparation and Construction: Community Citizenship Program n Reduced uses and enjoyment of community and n Continue to keep neighbours and public informed about recreational features on the Darlington site project activities n Some residents living along truck haul routes may n Develop and implement a plan to establish full access to experience disruption to their use and enjoyment due to and use of Waterfront Trail in stages after site preparation nuisance effects (dust, noise, traffic) is complete During Operations: n Seek to establish a resolution to address any effects on upper and lower soccer fields n Negative change in character of community if natural draft cooling towers Likely Residual Adverse Effect n Reduced enjoyment of private property due to visual dominance of natural draft cooling towers (after mitigation) n Negative change in community character where cooling Implications for Durham Region (based on 2 units) towers would be a prominent feature of the landscape, particularly in the immediate vicinity of Darlington site Factor Existing Site Preparation Operations DNGS and Construction and Maintenance n Reduced use and enjoyment of Darlington site recreational Employment features during site preparation and construction (average # direct and indirect jobs per year over phase) 5,200 1,900 2,500 n Employment Some residents along the truck haul routes and off site 3,800 1,250 1,800 (average # of induced jobs per year over phase) soil storage areas may experience disruption to their Associated Population (average # persons per year over term) 17,200 5,400 6,700 use and enjoyment of property during site preparation and construction Associated Housing 5,700 1,800 2,250 (average # units over term) These are carried forward to assess significance. Household Income (annual average $ per year over term) $ 365 M $ 130 M $ 175 M
www.opg.com/newbuild Land Use
Valued Ecosystem Components Identified Mitigation Measures n Land use planning regime in Local Study Area n I mplement good industry management n Visual aesthetics practices in the design and construction of the project to optimize opportunities to visually Likely Environmental Effects screen onsite features n Implement landscape design to reduce the During Site Preparation and Construction: visibility of the operating facility n Increased activities on the Darlington site likely n Implement good industry management practice to result in changes to land use and development in the design and development of lighting patterns systems that will, among other considerations n Changes in visual setting due to soil stockpiling (navigation safety, bird strikes), reduce to the and grading of existing bluff formations on the extent possible the night time visibility of the lakefront overall site and cooling towers (if used) During Operations: n Continue to engage in discussions with local n Changes in visual setting due to cooling towers municipalities on the appropriate planning (if used) and vapour plume policy format and land use structure in the primary and contiguous zones to ensure maintenance of effective emergency response Likely Residual Adverse Effect (after mitigation) n Permanent changes in the quality of the existing views of the Darlington site from viewing locations in the Local and Regional Study Areas as a result of the presence of natural draft cooling tower structures, if used and the presence of cooling tower plume This is carried forward to assess significance.
Visual simulator, illustrating view of cooling towers on Darlington site from Highway 401 West at Waverly Road.
www.opg.com/newbuild Human Health
Valued Ecosystem Components Identified Mitigation Measures n Members of the public n All internal and external doses received by n Workers on OPG’s New Nuclear at Darlington nuclear workers will be monitored and reported project as part of the operational dose management program. This system will be in effect during the operation and maintenance and Likely Environmental Effects decommissioning phases of the project n Annual radiation dose to public will be well n An “As Low As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA) below the regulatory limit (less than natural analysis will be undertaken and specific background radiation) measures to reduce collective worker dose to n Radiation dose to nuclear energy workers will the extent practical will be determined during remain well below regulatory limits detailed planning and design of the project Likely Residual Adverse Effect (after mitigation) n No residual adverse effects
www.opg.com/newbuild Radiation and Radioactivity ENVIRONMENT AND NON-HUMAN BIOTA HEALTH
RADIATION AND RADIOACTIVITY NON-HUMAN BIOTA HEALTH Valued Ecosystem Components Valued Ecosystem Components n Pathway to human health n Birds and mammals n Pathway to non-human biota n Insects and invertebrates n Amphibians and reptiles Likely Environmental Effects n Terrestrial vegetation n Potential Exposure of members of the public n Aquatic macrophytes to very low levels of radiation from normal n Benthos operations n Fish n Potential Exposure of nuclear energy workers to low levels of radiation from normal operations Likely Environmental Effects n Potential Exposure of non human biota to very During Site Preparation and Construction: low levels of radiation from normal operations n No likely environmental effects Likely Residual Adverse Effect Likely Residual Adverse Effect (after mitigation) (after mitigation) n No residual adverse effects n No residual adverse effects
www.opg.com/newbuild Traffic and Transportation
Valued Ecosystem Components Identified Mitigation Measures n Transportation system efficiency and adequacy n Collaborate with responsible agencies to ensure n Transportation system safety that the project related traffic is considered in the design and implementation of offsite road Likely Environmental Effects improvements n Collaborate with and support on a continued During Site Preparation and Construction: basis, the Municipality of Clarington and n Increased traffic may contribute to the ongoing Regional Municipality of Durham to identify degradation of road system and result in an system deficiencies and facilitate road safety increased likelihood of safety related incidents improvements
Likely Residual Adverse Effect (after mitigation) n No residual adverse effects
www.opg.com/newbuild Malfunctions, Accidents and Malevolent Acts
OPG must consider the environmental effects n It was confirmed that there would be no long associated with the unlikely event of Malfunctions, term effects on human health or on the health of Accidents or Malevolent Acts. non-human biota Conventional Malfunctions and Accidents Out of Core criticality Malfunctions and involve the inadvertent release of chemicals with the Accidents involve events outside the reactor core, potential of causing harm to workers or the environment, such as in a fresh or used fuel storage area that may or events that may result in personal injuries. result in an acute release of radioactivity. n Spill of fuel to Lake Ontario n These events are unlikely and would require a • No long term effects are expected on aquatic combination of failures to occur biota or human health n A stringent criticality safety assessment will be n Steam generator water treatment chemical spill performed and reviewed by the CNSC • No adverse effects are expected to workers or n The design and administrative barriers will be in members of the public place, supported by detailed safety analysis, to Radiological Malfunctions and Accidents ensure that inadvertent criticality is not likely involve the inadvertent release of radioactivity from Malevolent Acts are the intentional attempt to components other than the reactor (e.g. nuclear cause damage. Security measures generally consist of: waste management facilities). n Physical protection – barriers, intrusion detection, n Drop of a refurbishment waste container access limitation containing radioactive waste n Administrative protection – security screening n Fire in a radioactive waste storage building of personnel, training of personnel, procedures In both examples, worker doses would be a small and audits fraction of the regulatory limit and non-human biota n Personnel – highly qualified security response (animals, birds) are not likely to be affected. personnel, emergency preparedness Nuclear Accidents involve the reactor with damage Such events are not likely to cause a significant to the fuel bundles and/or the reactor core and could release of radioactivity to the public result in release of radioactivity to the environment. An assessment was done to confirm that the reactors being considered in this EA will meet the intent of regulatory requirements: n It was confirmed that the extent of potential evacuation and relocation are consistent with the intent of regulations and the current emergency planning protocols
www.opg.com/newbuild Effects of the Environment on the Project
The EA also considers how the environment may Seismicity affect the project. OPG is conducting studies on n effects of the environment on the project such as: Seismic hazard and ground motion n Seismic-related phenomena Flooding n Geotechnical investigation n Coastal flooding n Potential surface faulting n Darlington Creek n Direct surface runoff and other flooding Climate Change hazards n Effects of greenhouse gas emissions Severe Weather n Potential climate change n Meteorological hazard assessment Summary of Mitigation n Tornadoes n The project will be designed so that nuclear n Tropical cyclones safety systems would continue to operate in n Thunderstorms and hail storms the event of any environmental effect n Freezing rain n Project design and contingency features will be incorporated to withstand environmental Biophysical Effects effects n Zebra and Quagga Mussels n OPG will develop an adaptive management n Attached algae strategy to address changes in the environment that could adversely affect the n Fish new station in the future n Integrate design, management and monitoring to systematically test assumptions and adapt to changing environmental effects n No effects of the environment on the project are anticipated based on design and mitigation options Likely Residual Adverse Effect (after mitigation) n No residual adverse effects
www.opg.com/newbuild Sustainability Assessment
The EA considers the extent to which the Project contributes to sustainable development. A project that is supportive of sustainable development must strive to integrate the objective of net ecological, economic and social benefits to society.
Ecological Social Benefits Benefits
Economic Benefits
The sustainability assessment relies on sustainable development considerations articulated by the Municipality of Clarington, Region of Durham and the City of Oshawa in their respective Official Plans, Strategic Plans or Sustainability Strategies. These were used to create community visions, goals and objectives. The extent to which the Project contributes towards achieving the stated goals and objectives is indicated in the graphic below.
Ecological Diminish Maintain Enhance
Vision Goal Green space in urban areas To ensure that biodiversity, To protect and Biodiversity and ecosystem integrity ecosystem integrity and the enhance the capacity of renewable resources ecosystem are maintained and enhanced in Environmental stewardship order to meet the needs of current and future generations Energy conservation
Capacity of renewable resources
Social Diminish Maintain Enhance
Balanced development Vision Goal To encourage the ongoing To promote development of vibrant, safe, E cient use of infrastructure and access to services balanced growth healthy and caring communities and healthy livable that provide current and future Live, work and play communities communities residents with a sense of satisfaction and pride as a place Community pride and identity to live, work and play Personal well being
Economy Diminish Maintain Enhance
Vision Goal New job opportunities To promote economic development To promote Business retention, expansion and creation through employment and business economic growth, diversification of the development skills base and fiscal health of Durham energy hub municipalities in order to meet the needs of current and Diversi cation of the skills base future residents Healthy municipal nance
www.opg.com/newbuild Cumulative Effects
Planned Projects and Activities 2005 2010 2015 2020 2025 2030
New Nuclear at Darlington Units 1 and 2
New Nuclear at Darlington Units 3 and 4
Hwy 407 East Extension
Energy from Waste Facility
Extension of GO Rail Service from Oshawa to Bowmanville
Highway 401/Holt Road Interchange Improvements
Development of Clarington Energy Park
Planning Construction Operations
OPG examined projects and activities that might be carried n Upgrade of 500 kV Transmission System* out during the same time period as the New Nuclear at n York Durham Region Energy from Waste Facility* Darlington project and which could result in similar effects n Project and activities by OPG during operations, in the shared study areas. These project include: refurbishment and continued operation and n Bowmanville GO Train Station Project* decommissioning for: n Clarington Energy Business Park development* n Darlington Nuclear Generating Station* n Expansion of Courtice Water Pollution Control Plant* n Darlington Waste Management Facility* n Expansion of Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant n OPG’s New Nuclear at Darlington Project or Activity* (Decommissioning)* n Expansion of Other Municipal Water Treatment and n Pickering Nuclear Generating Station A Pollution Control Plants - Operations (Units 1 & 4 fully operational, n Growth and Development in Regional Communities Units 2 & 3 currently in Guaranteed n Highway 407 East Link to Hwy 401* Shutdown State) n Highway 401 Improvements & Holt Road Interchange* - Modification of Units 2 & 3 to Guaranteed n Oshawa Ethanol Plant* Defuelled State n Other (Non-OPG) Facilities Licensed by Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission - Decommissioning n n Pickering Airport Pickering Nuclear Generating Station B (Units 5-8) n n Port Darlington Area Enhancements* Pickering Waste Management Facility n Port Hope Area Initiative Projects: Preliminary results indicate that any cumulative effects are - Port Hope Project minor and it is unlikely that additional mitigation measures - Port Granby Project are necessary. - Other Port Hope Area Projects n Port Hope Area Wastes * Projects and activities within 10 km of OPG’s New Nuclear at Darlington. n St. Marys Cement Operations* All other projects and activities are beyond 10km.
www.opg.com/newbuild Significance Assessment Methodology
Adverse environmental effects that are likely to Each criterion is ranked as low, medium or result from the project (after mitigation measures high using professional judgment by technical have been incorporated) are called “residual experts considering both quantitative and effects”. All residual adverse effects are assessed qualitative measurement, where appropriate. for significance. Residual adverse effects from Then significance of each residual adverse effect the project are assessed for significance using the is evaluated using the methodology in the following criteria: diagram above.
Magnitude The size or degree of the effect compared against baseline conditions or thresholds. Geographic Extent The area over or throughout which the effects will be measurable. Duration The time period over which the effect will last. Frequency and Probability The rate of recurrence of the effect. Reversibility The degree to which the effect can or will be reversed (typically measured by the time it will take to restore the environmental attribute or feature). Physical Human Health The degree to which the physical aspects of human health may be affected. Psycho-social Human Health The degree to which psychological or social behaviour of the public may be affected. Ecological Importance The importance of the environmental attribute or feature to ecosystem health and function. Societal Value The value of the environmental attribute or features to society. Sustainability The degree to which the effect would impact the ability for the attribute or feature to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
www.opg.com/newbuild Preliminary Assessment of Residual Adverse Effects for Significance iming iming Why the Residual Effects Why the Residual Effects Residual are Considered Minor Residual are Considered Minor Adverse Effects Adverse Effects, Adverse Effects Adverse Effects, agnitude agnitude M Extent Spatial (after mitigation) T Duration/ Frequency Health Human Effect on Physical Psycho-socialHealth Human Effect on VEC ImportanceEcological of Value Societal Sustainability M Spatial Extent Spatial T Duration/ (after mitigation) Frequency R eversibility Health Human Effect on Physical Psycho-socialHealth Human Effect on VEC ImportanceEcological of Value Societal Sustainability but Not Significant R eversibility but Not Significant
Loss of aquatic species L L L M H L L L L L • Near shore environment of proposed infill has Short-term disruption L L M M L L L L L L • A major corridor is not currently present within footprints of lake few documented invertebrates to wildlife travel along although the function does exist infill and cooling water • Round gobies are an invasive species wildlife corridor during • Wildlife using the east-west corridor through intake and discharge site preparation and the site are already adapted to the road network • Footprint of cooling/service intake and construction structure discharge structure is small, and habitat loss is and high levels of human disturbance that not significant relative to entire area characterize both the Site and the Local Study Area • The site remains open to passage for many of Fish impingement and L L H H H L L L L L • Once-through-cooling intake has been these species and the period of disturbance will entrainment designed specifically to reduce entrainment & be relatively limited and reversible impingement of fish • Intake incorporates design features based on Permanent changes in H H M H H L L L L L • Although there is a visual impact, the project will fish behaviour and is located offshore at depths the quality of views of the not preclude the use and enjoyment of private which are less productive Darlington Nuclear site property in the Local Study Area communities • Expected losses will be low relative to Lake in the Local and Regional • Although the conditions creating the effect Ontario populations Study Areas as a result of will not be reversible, the magnitude of the the presence of natural effect will diminish with time as the structures draft cooling towers become a familiar feature of the landscape and the project establishes a positive track record
Loss of approximately L L H M H L L M M L • Cultural meadows are widespread in the Change in the character L M H H H L M L M L • Although there is a visual impact, the project 40-50 hectares of environment in southern Ontario, and in the of communities if natural will not change the unique and distinctive mostly Cultural Meadow Local and Regional Study Areas draft cooling towers are qualities of Local Study Area communities Ecosystem • Many of cultural meadows on site are seed mix implemented • The area in the immediate vicinity of the or of low ecological function and the effect is Darlington site is a mix of industrial, commercial confined to the site and residential land uses • VECs will still persist at the site • The presence of industrial and commercial land uses is increasing
Reduced use and M M M H L L L L L L • The project does not prevent the use of the site enjoyment of community for recreational purposes Loss of approximately 24 L L H H M L M M L L • Cultural meadows are widespread in the and recreational features to 34 hectares of on site environment in southern Ontario, and in the • The reduced use and enjoyment of the site for on the Darlington recreational purposes likely be experienced by habitat currently used as Local and Regional Study Areas Nuclear site during a butterfly habitat during a small number of users for a few years prior to • Many of cultural meadows on site are seed mix Site Preparation and its restoration migration or of low ecological function and the effect is Construction confined to the site • VECs will still persist at the site Disruption to residential M M M M L L M L L L • Although those affected will likely notice use and enjoyment increased traffic, noise and dust, these of property during effects are not anticipated to be of sufficient Decrease in populations L L H H M L L M M L • None of the breeding bird habitats being Site Preparation and magnitude to preclude continued use of of breeding birds on site reduced are unique to the site Construction due to private property • The habitats occur commonly in the Local and nuisance-related effects • Effects will also be limited to a few properties Regional Study Areas (dust, noise, traffic) along the haul route and a soil storage area • Breeding birds will continue to be at the within the Local Study Area Darlington site Reduced enjoyment of L M H H H L M L L L • Although there is a visual impact, the project will private property due not preclude the use and enjoyment of private Loss of nesting areas for M L H H H L L M L M • Mitigation includes the long-term protection to visual dominance of property in the Local Study Area communities Bank Swallows of important nesting areas, design and natural draft cooling construction of artificial Bank Swallow • Although the conditions creating the effect towers colonies and research into declines in aerial will not be reversible, the magnitude of the foraging birds effect will diminish with time as the structures become a familiar feature of the landscape and • These actions are expected to bring long- the project establishes a positive track record term tangible benefits to the species and perhaps others • The portions of the colony being removed are No residual effect from M H L L M L H L H L confined to the Site Study Area and a larger • Highly unlikely to occur malfunctions accidents portion of the associated colony will still • Event would be of short duration and any or malevolent acts, remain viable needed cleanup or remediation would begin but carried forward to immediately assess due to general public interest • Off-site protective actions such as short-term evacuation or sheltering may be implemented Bird strike mortalities L L H M H L L M M L • These anticipated strike numbers are low • Emergency response plans (Ontario, associated with natural compared to the huge numbers of migrant municipalities, OPG) will be in place draft cooling towers birds passing over the site in spring and fall, or to the known level of mortalities at lit buildings in Toronto or due to other sources (e.g., residential windows, pet cats) • The effect will occur in a relatively small area associated with the tower structures in the Site Study Area only • The effects are unlikely to result in measurable change to bird populations
L - Low, M - Medium, H - High www.opg.com/newbuild Follow-up and Monitoring Program
After the environmental assessment is OPG has identified over 100 possible complete a follow-up and monitoring commitments to follow-up and monitor. program is developed. The purpose of the The follow-up and monitoring program follow-up program is to: will be included in the environmental n Assist in determining if the assessment and reviewed by the Joint environmental effects of the project Review Panel. The responsible authority, are as predicted from the EA likely the Canadian Nuclear Safety n Determine whether assumptions made Commission will ensure the follow-up and during the EA are accurate monitoring program is implemented. n Confirm whether the proposed mitigation measures are effective and if new mitigation strategies are required The follow-up program identifies commitments for Site Preparation and Construction and Operations. The development of the follow-up and monitoring program includes: n Identification of the general timeframe for the follow-up program n Identification of the preliminary scope of the follow-up studies related to the general timeframe n Proposal of a process for developing the final scope and timing of the follow-up program with details such as monitoring parameters, locations and frequencies
www.opg.com/newbuild EA Schedule/Next Steps
Below is a preliminary schedule of major milestones for the New Nuclear at Darlington EA
Date Activity status
Feb/March 2007 Pre-submission Consultation on Project Description (Round #1) √
April 2007 OPG submits EA Project Description to CNSC √
June 2007 Define Study Areas √
Fall 2007 Public Consultation Round #2 √
Fall 2007-Summer 2008 Establish Environmental Baseline √ (environmental components, valued ecosystem components)
Spring 2008 Public Consultation Round #3 √
Spring/Summer 2008 Determine Possible Project - Environment Interactions √
Summer/Fall 2008 Identify Environmental Effects, Possible √ Mitigation, Determine Residual Effects
Fall 2008 Public Consultation Round #4 √
Fall/Winter 2008 Identify Malfunction and Accidents, Cumulative Effects and Significance of Residual Effects Underway Fall/Winter 2008 Examine Effects of Environment on Project; Follow-up and monitoring Underway
Spring 2009 Public Consultation Round #5 Underway
2009 Environmental Impact Statement Report Submission and Licence to Prepare the Site
www.opg.com/newbuild Public Consultation - Summary of Issues and Comments Raised
Throughout the EA, OPG has sought We want your input! community confirmation of the work Today we are looking for your input on undertaken to date, and community preliminary results. direction for the next steps in the assessment. OPG received and incorporated feedback on: Comment forms are available for you to complete and drop off here, or take home n The project description and mail back to us. You can also have a (before it was submitted) discussion with one of the staff members n The Valued Ecosystem Components here. n EA methodology Your comments will be documented and n Potential effects and possible included in the EA study. Your knowledge mitigation measures of the local area and environment will help n The projects to consider in a OPG and its consultants perform a more cumulative effects assessment accurate EA! n Criteria to aid in the determination of significance We’ve received and responded to thousands of questions and comments. At the outset, there was a high degree of interest in matters such as Ontario’s electricity system and the long- term plan for energy, the reactor technology and vendor selection process, long- term management of nuclear waste and use fuel, financial considerations and relationship of various decision making processes.
For a full listing of questions and answers, please take a “Frequently Asked Questions” handout.
www.opg.com/newbuild