Emissions
Cameco measures the quality of the air near our facilities, in the immediate surroundings and off site. The possible effects of air emissions are also monitored through water quality programs and sampling plants in the environment. We measure and monitor sulphur dioxide, radon gas, and a number of other indicators.
To reduce the amount of these emissions we have filters installed on our release points within our facilities. Scrubber technology is also used to reduce air emissions of sulphur dioxide.
As a company that supports the production of clean air energy, Cameco also pays attention to the amount of greenhouse gases we create. We estimate greenhouse gas emissions through the amount of diesel, gasoline, propane and electricity we use. Air and greenhouse gas emissions are reported to the regulators and the public through regular reporting.
Recent achievements
At Blind River, new processes have reduced uranium emissions from ventilation systems. The operation has also eliminated emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O, a greenhouse gas) by adjusting its process to eliminate the need for ammonia – a change that will also save nearly $1million per year in electricity and chemical costs and remove a significant safety hazard.
New equipment and changes to processes at Port Hope have progressively lowered emissions of uranium and fluorides over the last decade. This facility is using HEPA filtration technology to further reduce emissions from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
At Rabbit Lake, new equipment reduced sulphur dioxide emissions from 300 kg/day to 85 kg/day in 2011 – a nearly 70% decrease – while increasing efficiency in the acid-generation process and reducing our costs. A new acid plant at Key Lake is expected to significantly reduce our sulphur dioxide emissions starting in 2012.
GRI Indicators
EN16 – GHG emissions (by weight)
^This indicator shows Cameco's scope 1 and 2 (direct and indirect) greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as defined by an international GHG protocol developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Includes all divisions except corporate offices and exploration.
What it means
Cameco's energy use is increasing as we expand our operations and increase production. This results in an increase in our GHG emissions because the majority of our GHG emissions are directly related to the combustion of primary and secondary fuel sources.
Looking ahead
We expect our energy use and, as a result, our GHG emissions, to continue to increase as we expand our operations and increase production in support of our Double U strategy. To mitigate this, we are working towards improving energy efficiency at our older operations, including capturing and reusing waste heat or steam energy to offset consumption where possible, and considering energy balance and efficiency considerations when we are designing and purchasing new equipment and infrastructure.
EN20 – Air emissions (by type and weight)
^This indicator provides air emission data for selected constituents of potential concern (COPC) that are released from process or stationary combustion. COPCs are chemical constituents in the environment that may be harmful to plants, animals, land and water ecosystems, and people. The constituents we report on at each site relate to regulatory requirements and community concerns for each jurisdiction. They include:
- nitrogen oxides
- sulphur oxides
- hydrogen fluoride
- uranium and other metals
- ammonia
- particulate matter
| Performance Metric (Unit of Measure) | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Emissions Corporate Totals | ||||
| NOx | kg | 275,878 | 287,306 | 353,396 |
| SOx (as SO2) | kg | 346,782 | 210,542 | 313,569 |
| Total PM | kg | 33,015 | 39,248 | 35,171 |
| U | kg | 291 | 257 | 655 |
| NH3 | kg | 101,057 | 76,924 | 67,436 |
Includes all divisions except corporate offices and exploration.
What it means
Emissions decreased 19% between 2009 and 2010 because refurbishments were made to the acid plant at Rabbit Lake in the last half of 2010. However, emissions increased 25% between 2010 and 2011.
During a non-routine inspection of Key Lake's mist eliminator in February 2012 (the emissions control system for the yellowcake calcining facility), we discovered that several filter cartridges had separated from the mounting bracket, reducing the efficiency of the system. This is believed to be the cause of the elevated 2011 air quality measurements. The mist eliminator unit has since been repaired and enhanced instrumentation-based monitoring has been added to alert mill personnel if the unit is not operating normally.
Looking ahead
Cameco will continue work on decreasing emissions in the future. For example, we will be commissioning a new acid plant at Key Lake in 2012 which is expected to reduce our SOx emissions well below 2010 levels.