A new Canadian nuclear materials sorting facility in Kincardine is now fully operational accepting nuclear materials produced by Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG’s) nuclear operations. The new state-of-the-art facility located near the Western location of OPG’s Nuclear Sustainability Services (NSS) in Bruce County, operated by OPG, spans 42,000 square feet and employs about 25 people. OPG's nuclear by-products and radioactive materials are managed at three NSS sites. The NSS Western Waste Management Facility (NSS-WWMF) in Bruce County receives and manages low and intermediate-level materials from the Darlington, Pickering, and Bruce Power NPPs.
The official opening of the Western Clean-Energy Sorting & Recycling (WCSR) facility was attended by representatives from OPG, Laurentis Energy Partners (LEP), Energy Solutions Canada, and the Mayor of the Municipality of Kincardine, Kenneth Craig.
The WCSR focuses on sorting materials such as protective clothing or small tools from OPG’s nuclear generating stations. The facility supports OPG’s efforts to reduce waste volumes through processing, segregation, and by diverting more nuclear materials through methods that include reuse and recycling.
"This new facility will help OPG and the nuclear industry support the three Rs – reduce, reuse, recycle – and reduce our environmental footprint," said Mark Welt, Director of Western Operations for OPG's NSS. "By carefully sorting and segregating what is clean, what is recyclable, and what can be processed to reduce the volume, we can minimise the amount of nuclear materials in storage. This will help build a sustainable future in line with OPG's Climate Change Plan."
Lessons from LEP and McMaster University’s Clean-Energy Materials Sorting & Recycling Initiative in Hamilton, Ontario, have been incorporated into the facility. LEP developed the facility, and Dancor Construction Ltd constructed it. The facility operates under EnergySolutions’ Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) licence. EnergySolutions Canada also provides radiation safety compliance and management for the facility. Construction of the facility began in 2022.
Image: Representatives from OPG, Laurentis Energy Partners, Energy Solutions Canada, and the Mayor of the Municipality of Kincardine, Kenneth Craig, cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the Western Clean-Energy Sorting and Recycling facility (courtesy of OPG)
