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.