The following information bulletin is in accordance with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) ongoing commitment to voluntary public disclosure of events related to the Whiteshell Laboratories.
Pinawa, MB – October 24, 2024 – In September 2024, monthly effluent analyses conducted by CNL at the Whiteshell site outfall indicated that pH levels were 6.49, a reading which was slightly below the acceptable pH range of 6.5 – 8.5 set by the Province of Manitoba in its Water Quality Standards, Objectives and Guidelines. This has activated a CNL action level, which is an internal threshold that determines if CNL facilities are operating within expected conditions, and which provides CNL with notification of an abnormal condition that requires investigation.
As part of its routine operations, CNL uses water pulled from the Winnipeg River, which is eventually treated and returned to the river through a discharge point called an outfall. CNL conducts a series of tests on this water, which is known as effluent, as part of the Whiteshell Environmental Protection Program, to ensure that it is meeting the necessary regulatory requirements and its own action levels. This includes monthly analysis of the effluent pH levels, which is a measurement of a water’s acidity.
While these results do show that there has been an abnormal change that has affected the outfall effluent pH levels, there are no environmental impacts on the Winnipeg River, aquatic life or the public as a result of this action level exceedance. CNL will provide updates on this public disclosure to confirm once the pH levels have been returned to normal.
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Contact:
Philip Kompass
Director, Corporate Communications
1-866-886-2325
media@cnl.ca