Environment & Safety

Safety

We manage the safety of our workers through programs, systems, and standards, with our Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ) Policy providing overarching guidance. There are many aspects of the management system that contribute to a safe work environment, a few examples include:

  • Risk assessments help identify issues and determine the appropriate controls; the corrective action process verifies that incidents and near misses are reported, tracked, investigated and shared with colleagues; and emergency preparedness and planning prepare us to respond to serious incidents.
  • We have developed 12 corporate safety standards to help protect our workers from our most common hazards. Some standards guide our general safety practices, such as our job hazard analysis and our job task observation, and other standards deal with specific hazardous situations (similar to other companies’ life saving rules): such as fall protection, confined space entry, rigging and hoisting, and control of hazardous energy (also referred to as lockout/tagout).
  • Routine audits are conducted to monitor compliance with regulations and our own requirements. These and other aspects of the management system are routinely examined to verify that they continue to be effective at keeping our workers safe.

Radiation Protection

Radiation risks are effectively managed at the Port Hope conversion facility through a formal radiation protection program and dedicated personnel who ensure that doses to workers are as low as reasonably achievable. The program ensures that radiation protection is considered in the physical design of all facilities and operating procedures. It also provides for systematic monitoring of radiation in work areas and tracking the exposures of individual workers using a combination of monitoring devices and health testing. Radiation exposures at the facility are far below regulatory limits.

Environmental Protection

At Cameco, protection of the environment is one of our highest corporate priorities during all stages of our activities, from exploration through development, operations, decommissioning, and reclamation.

We monitor our performance by tracking corporate and site-specific key performance indicators, conducting environmental monitoring programs, and regularly auditing our adherence to the requirements of these programs We use the information from all of our programs to help us to identify opportunities to improve.

Environmental management system

We have a ISO 14001-certified environmental management system used across our operating sites, which is supported by a corporate Environmental Management Program that outlines the operating requirements sites must meet. Our environmental management system encourages and promotes continuous adaptation of our practices based on new information and technologies.

Environmental risk assessments

We complete environmental risk assessments to systematically identify, quantify, and to characterize the potential risks to the environment, workers, and the public. We use our environmental risk assessments to inform our decisions and actions. Additionally, we complete an iterative process, where required, to verify that our proposed measures to protect the environment and the public are effective. We review or update the assessments every five years, incorporating results from our environmental monitoring programs and other scientific advances.

Corrective action process

We have a corrective action process in place to systematically investigate and address the causes of non-conformance to regulatory requirements or internal standards. The process includes classifying the non-conformance, assigning the appropriate level of investigation (dependent on incident significance), and tracking the recommended corrective actions to prevent and mitigate similar occurrences.

Audits

To support our culture of continuous improvement, our processes and operations undergo regular audits, including:

  • Our environmental management system is audited by a third-party every three years as a requirement to maintain our ISO 14001 certification.
  • Our SHEQ team conducts an internal audit of our SHEQ programs on a three-year cycle. The total audit scope is split in half and executed on a rotating basis. This means that all our sites undergo at least two audits to cover all aspects of our SHEQ programs within every three-year period. The audit follows the ISO 19001 process and encompasses our environmental and safety programs.
  • We also maintain and implement an internal audit program at our corporate office. Results and recommendations from this systematic and documented process are presented to senior management, who are responsible for implementing them and correcting any deficiencies. The internal audit group reports to the audit and finance committee of the board.

Environmental Incidents and Other Events​​

Environmental incidents and other events are reported to regulatory agencies as required by federal and provincial regulations. This includes releases to the environment reportable to Ontario Ministry of Environment's Spills Action Centre.

If you have questions about any of the items posted here, please contact us.

Latest incident or event:

Posting Date January 22, 2024
Incident Date January 19-20, 2024
Incident Environmental Limit Exceedance
Details

The Marsh Street high volume air sampler recorded a result of 171 µg TSP/m3 total suspended particulate (TSP) for the period of January 19-20, 2024. This result is above the regulatory dust criteria of 120 µg/m3 set by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Watermain construction work is occurring on Marsh Street and has resulted in unpaved sections of road. It is believed that the unpaved road and traffic levels are contributing to the elevated dust levels at the Marsh Street Hi-Vol.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks have been notified.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

Past reporting

Posting Date January 22, 2024
Incident Date January 19-20, 2024
Incident Environmental Limit Exceedance
Details

The Marsh Street high volume air sampler recorded a result of 171 µg TSP/m3 total suspended particulate (TSP) for the period of January 19-20, 2024. This result is above the regulatory dust criteria of 120 µg/m3 set by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Watermain construction work is occurring on Marsh Street and has resulted in unpaved sections of road. It is believed that the unpaved road and traffic levels are contributing to the elevated dust levels at the Marsh Street Hi-Vol. 

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks have been notified.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date December 13, 2023
Incident Date December 4, 2023
Incident Transportation Incident
Details

Port Hope Conversion Facility (PHCF) was transferring waste to the Long-Term Waste Management Facility (LTWMF) on December 4, 2023, when it was discovered that the lid of the roll-off bin was slightly contaminated.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

The roll-off bin has since been decontaminated and returned to PHCF where it was cleaned and repainted as well. Cameco has modified its process to scan the top of the lid for contamination. Cameco reported the event to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s transport section.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date October 17, 2023
Incident Date October 17, 2023
Incident Non-Occupational Emergency Transport
Details

An ambulance was dispatched to the Port Hope Conversion Facility on October 17, 2023, for a non-occupational medical emergency.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers, or the environment.

Corrective Action

The worker was transported to the hospital.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date October 10, 2023
Incident Date October 4 - 5, 2023
Incident Environmental Limit Exceedance 
Details

The Marsh Street high volume air sampler recorded a result of 179 µg TSP/m3 total suspended particulate (TSP) for the period of October 4-5, 2023. This result is above the regulatory dust criteria of 120 µg/m3 set by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers, or the environment.

Corrective Action

Watermain construction work is occurring on Marsh Street and on-site which is believed to be contributing to the elevated localized dust loading measured by the Marsh Street Hi-Vol.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks have been notified.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date September 12, 2023
Incident Date September 11, 2023
Incident Non-Occupational Emergency Transport
Details

An ambulance was dispatched to the Port Hope Conversion Facility on September 11, 2023, for a non-occupational medical emergency.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

The worker was transported to the hospital.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date July 24, 2023
Incident Date July 22, 2023
Incident Reportable Spill
Details

During the filling of an emergency generator tank with diesel, the flow was not shut off and approximately 2 litres of diesel overflowed out of the tank and into a dyke. Approximately 1 litre of diesel entered the sanitary system.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

The spill was cleaned up within 20 minutes.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date June 12, 2023
Incident Date June 5, 6 and 7, 2023
Incident

Environmental Limit Exceedance on June 5, 6 and 7, 2023

Details

Six ambient station high volume air samplers (hi-vol) located around the Port Hope Conversion Facility recorded exceedances with the highest result of 196 µg/m3 total suspended particulate (TSP) during the period of June 5, 6 and 7, 2023. These measurements are above the dust criteria of 120 µg/m3 TSP set by the Environment and Climate Change Canada and Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Poor air quality (smoky conditions) in the area due to wildfires in Ontario and Quebec are the likely cause. Hi-vol uranium results were within the normal range (negligible) during this period.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date April 7, 2023
Incident Date April 5, 2023
Incident

Environmental Action Level Exceedance on April 5, 2023

Details

The daily sanitary sewer discharge recorded a value of 100 µg/L on April 5 and April 6 of which met the uranium sanitary sewer action level of 100 µg/L. Facility discharge quality remains well below the sanitary sewer uranium limit of 275 µg/L (monthly average). There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Groundwater infiltration, exacerbated by rain events, are the likely cause. Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date March 28, 2023
Incident Date March 25 and 26, 2023
Incident

Environmental Action Level Exceedance

Details

The daily sanitary sewer discharge recorded a value of 130 µg/L on March 25 and a value of 110 µg/L on March 26, 2023, which exceed the uranium sanitary sewer action level of 100 µg/L.

Facility discharge quality remains well below the sanitary sewer uranium limit of 275 µg/L (monthly average).

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Groundwater infiltration, influenced by recent warmer temperatures creating a snow and ground thaw along with rain events are the likely cause.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date January 25, 2023
Incident Date January 17-18, 2023
Incident

Environmental Action Level Exceedance

Details

The daily sanitary sewer discharge recorded a value of 140 µg/L on January 17 and a value of 150 µg/L on January 18, 2023, which exceed the uranium sanitary sewer action level of 100 µg/L.

Facility discharge quality remains well below the sanitary sewer uranium limit of 275 µg/L (monthly average).

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

An investigation into the cause is underway.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date January 17, 2023
Incident Date January 13, 14 and 15, 2023
Incident

Environmental Action Level Exceedance

Details

The daily sanitary sewer discharge recorded a value of 110 µg/L on January 13, 2023, a value of 220 µg/L on January 14, 2023 and a value of 190 µg/L on January 15, which exceed the uranium sanitary sewer action level of 100 µg/L.

Facility discharge quality remains well below the sanitary sewer uranium limit of 275 µg/L (monthly average).

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Groundwater infiltration is the likely cause.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date January 12, 2023
Incident Date January 12, 2023
Incident

Reportable Spill

Details

A small amount of fluid (<1L) leaked from a transport truck while it was being loaded. The substance is suspected to be transmission fluid.

The surface runoff resulting from the rain that was occurring, carried the substance to a nearby catch basin.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Oil absorbent pads were applied in the area to isolate the catch basin. The transport left the site, and the area has been cleaned up.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date January 9, 2023
Incident Date January 4-5, 2023
Incident

Environmental Action Level Met on January 4 and 5, 2023

Details

The daily sanitary sewer discharge recorded a value of 100 µg/L on January 4 and 5, 2023 which meets the uranium sanitary sewer action level of 100 µg/L.

Facility discharge quality remains well below the sanitary sewer uranium limit of 275 µg/L (monthly average).

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Groundwater infiltration, influenced by recent warmer temperatures creating a snow and ground thaw along with rain events are the likely cause.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date December 23, 2022
Incident Date December 23, 2022
Incident

Reportable Spill

Details

A water main break at the Port Hope Conversion Facility resulted in approximately 40,000 litres of municipal water being released into a storm sewer basin connected to the harbour. 

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

The flow has been minimized and de-chlorination pucks were placed in the area within 15 minutes of the discovery of the water main break. 

Cameco notified the Spills Action Centre and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date November 21, 2022
Incident Date November 18, 2022
Incident

Reportable Spill

Details

Approximately 480 litres of potable water (municipal water) from the UO2 plant sprinkler system discharged to the ground from the sprinkler room and into a storm sewer basin connected to the harbour. The PHCF potable water system is supplied by the Municipality of Port Hope.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public or environment.

Corrective Action

The ERT was activated, and the sprinkler system was isolated to stop the release once it was determined that there was no fire. Cameco pumped the storm sewer basin out and the water was cleaned up.

The likely cause appears to be excess heat in the room, which caused the sprinkler head to activate.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Spills Action Centre have been notified.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date October 6, 2022
Incident Date September 29, 2022
Incident

Update to September 28 Environmental Action Level Exceedance

Details

The daily sanitary sewer discharge recorded a value of 160 µg/L on September 29, 2022, which exceeded the uranium sanitary sewer action level of 100 µg/L.

Facility discharge otherwise remains well below the sanitary sewer uranium limit of 275 µg/L (monthly average).

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Groundwater infiltration associated with inactive utilities is suspected as the likely cause.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date October 3, 2022
Incident Date September 28, 2022
Incident

Environmental Action Level Exceedance

Details

The daily sanitary sewer discharge recorded a value of 180 µg/L on September 28, 2022, which exceeded the uranium sanitary sewer action level of 100 µg/L.

Facility discharge otherwise remains well below the sanitary sewer uranium limit of 275 µg/L (monthly average).

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Groundwater infiltration associated with inactive utilities is suspected as the likely cause.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date September 27, 2022
Incident Date September 22, 2022
Incident

Environmental Action Level Exceedance

Details

The daily sanitary sewer discharge recorded a value of 160 µg/L on September 22, 2022, which exceeded the uranium sanitary sewer action level of 100 µg/L.

Facility discharge otherwise remains well below the sanitary sewer uranium limit of 275 µg/L (monthly average).

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Groundwater infiltration associated with inactive utilities is suspected as the likely cause.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date August 31, 2022
Incident Date September 2, 2022
Incident

Environmental Action Level Exceedance

Details

The daily fluoride emission average for the UF6 main plant stack recorded a value of 236 g HF/h on August 31, 2022, which exceeds the action level of 230 g HF/h.

Facility emissions remained well below the regulatory limit of 650 g HF/h.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

The UF6 plant was safely shutdown, and an investigation was initiated.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date August 19, 2022
Incident Date August 18, 2022
Incident

Environmental Release

Details

Approximately 600L of potable water (town water) from the UF6 plant sprinkler system discharged through the alarm line into a storm sewer basin connected to the harbour. The PHCF potable water system is supplied by the Municipality of Port Hope.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public or environment.

Corrective Action

The sprinkler system was isolated to stop the release. A dechlorination puck was added to the catch basin. The Spills Action Centre and CNSC Duty Officer were notified.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date June 30, 2022
Incident Date June 28, 2022
Incident

Environmental Action Level Exceedance on June 28, 2022

Details

The daily average for the UF6 main plant stack recorded a value of 45 gU/h on June 28, 2022, which exceeds the action level of 40 gU/h.

Facility emissions remained well below the regulatory limit of 280 gU/h.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

The UF6 plant was safely shutdown, and an investigation was initiated. The suspected cause is maintenance work that occurred on June 28, 2022.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

 

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date June 27, 2022
Incident Date June 21, 2022
Incident

Environmental Action Level Exceedance on June 21, 2022

Details

The daily sanitary sewer discharge recorded a value of 280 µg/L on June 21, 2022, which exceed the uranium sanitary sewer action level of 100 µg/L.

Facility discharge was otherwise well below the sanitary sewer uranium limit of 275 µg/L (monthly average) during the month of June.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

 

Corrective Action

Groundwater infiltration is the likely cause.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date March 29, 2022
Incident Date March 24-27, 2022
Incident

Update to Environmental Action Level Exceedance on March 17 & 18, 2022

Details

The daily sanitary sewer discharge recorded a value of 140 µg/L on March 24, 2022, a value of 130 µg/L on March 25, 2022, a value of 140 µg/L on March 26, 2022, 140 µg/L on March 27, 2022, 140 µg/L, on March 28, 2022, and 140 µg/L on March 29, 2022, which exceed the uranium sanitary sewer action level of 100 µg/L. Facility discharge quality remains well below the sanitary sewer uranium limit of 275 µg/L (monthly average). Cameco is considering this event to be a continuance of the March 17 & 18 event (posted below).

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Groundwater infiltration, influenced by recent warmer temperatures creating a snow and ground thaw along with rain events are the likely cause.

Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date March 25, 2022
Incident Date March 22-23, 2022
Incident

Update to Environmental Action Level Exceedance on March 17 & 18, 2022

Details

The Hayward Street (along the north fence line of the Port Hope Conversion Facility) and the Marsh Street high volume air sampler recorded a result of 142 µg/m3 and 139 µg/m3 respectively for the period of March 22 to March 23, 2022. These results are above the regulatory dust criteria of 120 µg/m3 set by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Both high-volume air samplers are close to roadways, and it is believed the cause is a result of residual winter sand being suspended due to vehicle traffic. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks have been notified.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date March 25, 2022
Incident Date March 21-22, 2022
Incident

Environmental Action Level Exceedance

Details

The daily sanitary sewer discharge recorded a value of 140 µg/L on March 21, 2022, and a value of 120 µg/L on March 22, 2022, which exceed the uranium sanitary sewer action level of 100 µg/L. Facility discharge quality remains well below the sanitary sewer uranium limit of 275 µg/L (monthly average).

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Groundwater infiltration, influenced by recent warmer temperatures creating a snow and ground thaw along with rain events are the likely cause. Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Posting Date March 22, 2022
Incident Date March 17 & 18, 2022
Incident

Environmental Action Level Exceedance 

Details

The daily sanitary sewer discharge recorded a value of 120 µg/L on March 17, 2022, and a value of 130 µg/L on March 18, 2022 which exceed the uranium sanitary sewer action level of 100 µg/L.

There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.

Corrective Action

Groundwater infiltration, influenced by recent warmer temperatures creating a snow and ground thaw are the likely cause. Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Municipality of Port Hope.

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating 1

 

Cameco Environmental Effect Rating

  • Level 1 - no measurable impact to the environment
  • Level 2 - negligible impact
  • Level 3 - short-term, seasonal impact
  • Level 4 - mortality of some species, but not affecting ecosystem function
  • Level 5 - impairment of ecosystem function
  • N/A - not applicable

Notes

  1. 1

    Includes all releases to the environment reportable to Ontario Ministry of Environment's Spills Action Centre and other significant events.


Waste Management

Solid wastes contaminated by uranium are reprocessed, recycled and re-used to the extent possible. Waste materials that cannot be reprocessed, recycled or re-used are safely stored on site until appropriate disposal options are available.

Wastes generated at the facility are segregated at the point of generation into contaminated and non-contaminated. Non-contaminated waste is either recycled or transferred to a suitable facility. Contaminated waste is stored in appropriate containers pending assessment of recycling or disposal options.

Decommissioning

Detailed plans and financial guarantees are in place to restore the conversion facility site to public use once the facility reaches the end of its productive life.

Environmental Assessment

All new significant changes to existing operations are subject to environmental assessments to identify potential effects on the environment.

Regulatory Oversight

The Port Hope conversion facility is licensed and regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The operation is also subject to other federal and provincial regulations for the protection of people and the environment, including by Environment Canada and Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment. Federal and provincial regulators conduct regular site inspections and audits to verify that people and the environment are protected.

Sustainability at Cameco

When measuring the sustainability and ethical impact of a company, environmental, social and governance (ESG) are key factors considered by the public and investors. Sustainability and ESG matters have been an important focus at Cameco for many years and we have a strong performance record.

Learn more