Independent Environmental Monitoring Program: Darlington nuclear generating site

Site name Darlington Nuclear Generating Site
Licensee Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
Facility names Darlington Nuclear Generating Station and Darlington Waste Management Facility
Facility location On the north shore of Lake Ontario, in the Municipality of Clarington, Ontario
Land Acknowledgement The CNSC acknowledges that the Darlington Nuclear Generating Site is located within the traditional territory of the Wendat, Anishinabek Nation, and the territory covered by Williams Treaties First Nations.
Facility description OPG operates 4 881-megawatt CANDU reactors, a tritium removal facility, and a waste management facility.
Environmental Protection Requirements In accordance with regulatory requirements under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, all licensees must maintain a comprehensive environmental protection program to monitor and control nuclear and hazardous substances released from the facilities they own and operate. As part of every licensee’s environmental protection program, concentrations of contaminants in the environment must be determined and the potential exposure routes to the public must be assessed.

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Our IEMP results from 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2021 are consistent with the results submitted by OPG, supporting our assessment that the licensee’s environmental protection program is effective. The results add to the body of evidence that people and the environment in the vicinity of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Site are protected and that there are no anticipated health impacts from the operation of the facilities on the site.

Legend

[ ] Guideline/Reference Level

Darlington nuclear generating site

Sample Type Sample Description Parameter 2014 2015 2017 2021 Guideline/
Reference Level		 Expected Health Impact (Yes/No) Sample Code
Water Lake (surface) pH N/A N/A 8.1 8.1 6.5 - 9.0 No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Tritium 4.3 Bq/L <3 Bq/L 10.1 Bq/L 4 Bq/L 7,000 Bq/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Gross Alpha <0.11 Bq/L <0.03 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L 0.07 Bq/L 0.5 Bq/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Gross Beta 0.11 Bq/L 0.08 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L 0.13 Bq/L 1 Bq/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L 10 Bq/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Copper N/A N/A 3.44 µg/L N/A 2 - 4 µg/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Zinc N/A N/A 1.19 µg/L 1.35 µg/L 30 µg/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Aluminum N/A N/A 10.52 µg/L 2.01 µg/L 100 µg/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Iron N/A N/A 5.45 µg/L 2.61 µg/L 300 µg/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Cadmium N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L <0.03 µg/L 0.09 µg/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Cobalt-60 N/A <0.29 Bq/L <0.26 Bq/L <0.27 Bq/L 12.1 Bq/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Total Dissolved Solids N/A N/A 209 mg/L 192 mg/L 500 mg/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Ammonia N/A N/A <0.2 mg/L <0.24 mg/L 0.3 mg/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Temperature N/A N/A N/A 19.7 °C N/A No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Hydrazine N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L <0.1 µg/L 2.6 µg/L No DP01-W01
Water Lake (surface) Morpholine N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L N/A 0.004 mg/L No DP01-W01
Sand 0-5 cm Cesium-137 <0.49 Bq/kg dry weight 0.56 Bq/kg dry weight <0.7 Bq/kg dry weight <0.5 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No DP02-SA01
Sand 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A <0.54 Bq/kg dry weight <0.8 Bq/kg dry weight <0.8 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No DP02-SA01
Water Lake (surface) Tritium <3.5 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A 7,000 Bq/L No DP02-W02
Water Lake (surface) Gross Alpha <0.11 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A 0.5 Bq/L No DP02-W02
Water Lake (surface) Gross Beta 0.1 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A 1 Bq/L No DP02-W02
Water Lake (surface) Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A 10 Bq/L No DP02-W02
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 8.47 Bq/kg dry weight 3.26 Bq/kg dry weight <0.7 Bq/kg dry weight 2 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No DP03-S01
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A <0.99 Bq/kg dry weight <0.8 Bq/kg dry weight <0.8 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No DP03-S01
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium 5.4 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 68.6 Bq/kg fresh weight 9 Bq/kg fresh weight 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP03-V01
Vegetation Mixed grass Organically Bound Tritium 2.3 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP03-V01
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A <3.2 Bq/kg fresh weight <5 Bq/kg fresh weight <2.2 Bq/kg fresh weight 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP03-V01
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A <3.5 Bq/kg fresh weight <5.5 Bq/kg fresh weight <2.6 Bq/kg fresh weight 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP03-V01
Air Ambient (Iodine) Iodine-131 <0.001 Bq/m³ <0.00037 Bq/m³ <0.00071 Bq/m³ N/A 0.228 Bq/m³ No DP04-A01
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cesium-137 <0.0004 Bq/m³ <0.000065 Bq/m³ <0.000049 Bq/m³ N/A 2.56 Bq/m³ No DP04-A01
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cobalt-60 N/A <0.000072 Bq/m³ <0.000065 Bq/m³ N/A 0.832 Bq/m³ No DP04-A01
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritium <2 Bq/m³ 1.9 Bq/m³ <1.9 Bq/m³ N/A 340 Bq/m³ No DP04-A01
Air Ambient (Tritium) Elemental Tritium <2 Bq/m³ <1 Bq/m³ <1.9 Bq/m³ N/A 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No DP04-A01
Sand 0-5 cm Cesium-137 <0.49 Bq/kg dry weight 0.52 Bq/kg dry weight <0.7 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No DP04-SA02
Sand 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A <0.54 Bq/kg dry weight <0.8 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No DP04-SA02
Water Lake (surface) pH N/A N/A 8 N/A 6.5 - 9.0 No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Tritium <3.5 Bq/L 3.6 Bq/L 24.7 Bq/L N/A 7,000 Bq/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Gross Alpha <0.11 Bq/L 0.16 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L N/A 0.5 Bq/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Gross Beta 0.1 Bq/L 0.14 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L N/A 1 Bq/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L N/A 10 Bq/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Copper N/A N/A 2.15 µg/L N/A 2 - 4 µg/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Zinc N/A N/A 0.78 µg/L N/A 30 µg/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Aluminum N/A N/A 6.15 µg/L N/A 100 µg/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Iron N/A N/A 8.61 µg/L N/A 300 µg/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Cadmium N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L N/A 0.09 µg/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Cobalt-60 N/A <0.29 Bq/L <0.26 Bq/L N/A 12.1 Bq/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Total Dissolved Solids N/A N/A 299 mg/L N/A 500 mg/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Ammonia N/A N/A <0.2 mg/L N/A 0.3 mg/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Hydrazine N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L N/A 2.6 µg/L No DP04-W03
Water Lake (surface) Morpholine N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L N/A 0.004 mg/L No DP04-W03
Air Ambient (Iodine) Iodine-131 <0.001 Bq/m³ <0.00037 Bq/m³ <0.00061 Bq/m³ N/A 0.228 Bq/m³ No DP05-A02
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cesium-137 <0.0004 Bq/m³ <0.000065 Bq/m³ <0.000052 Bq/m³ <0.000055 Bq/m³ 2.56 Bq/m³ No DP05-A02
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cobalt-60 N/A <0.000072 Bq/m³ <0.000064 Bq/m³ <0.000074 Bq/m³ 0.832 Bq/m³ No DP05-A02
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritium <2 Bq/m³ <1 Bq/m³ <1.9 Bq/m³ <2 Bq/m³ 340 Bq/m³ No DP05-A02
Air Ambient (Tritium) Elemental Tritium <2 Bq/m³ <1 Bq/m³ <1.9 Bq/m³ N/A 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No DP05-A02
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 1.72 Bq/kg dry weight 2.31 Bq/kg dry weight 2.4 Bq/kg dry weight 2.2 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No DP05-S02
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A <0.99 Bq/kg dry weight <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight <0.8 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No DP05-S02
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium 105.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 127.6 Bq/kg fresh weight 14.7 Bq/kg fresh weight 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP05-V02
Vegetation Mixed grass Organically Bound Tritium 10.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 14.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP05-V02
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A <3.2 Bq/kg fresh weight <5 Bq/kg fresh weight <2.2 Bq/kg fresh weight 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP05-V02
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A <3.5 Bq/kg fresh weight <5.5 Bq/kg fresh weight <2.6 Bq/kg fresh weight 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP05-V02
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 1.49 Bq/kg dry weight 2.16 Bq/kg dry weight 3.8 Bq/kg dry weight 1.3 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No DP06-S03
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A <0.99 Bq/kg dry weight <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight <0.8 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No DP06-S03
Air Ambient (Iodine) Iodine-131 <0.001 Bq/m³ <0.00037 Bq/m³ <0.00059 Bq/m³ N/A 0.228 Bq/m³ No DP07-A03
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cesium-137 <0.0004 Bq/m³ <0.000065 Bq/m³ <0.000053 Bq/m³ <0.000055 Bq/m³ 2.56 Bq/m³ No DP07-A03
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cobalt-60 N/A <0.000072 Bq/m³ <0.000063 Bq/m³ <0.000074 Bq/m³ 0.832 Bq/m³ No DP07-A03
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritium <2 Bq/m³ 1.8 Bq/m³ 2.6 Bq/m³ <2 Bq/m³ 340 Bq/m³ No DP07-A03
Air Ambient (Tritium) Elemental Tritium <2 Bq/m³ <1 Bq/m³ <1.9 Bq/m³ N/A 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No DP07-A03
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 5.04 Bq/kg dry weight 1.55 Bq/kg dry weight 1.4 Bq/kg dry weight 1.3 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No DP07-S04
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A <0.99 Bq/kg dry weight <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight <0.8 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No DP07-S04
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium 3.3 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 781.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP07-V04
Vegetation Mixed grass Organically Bound Tritium 4.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 6.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP07-V04
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A <3.2 Bq/kg fresh weight <5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP07-V04
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A <3.5 Bq/kg fresh weight <5.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP07-V04
Water Lake (surface) pH N/A N/A 8 8.4 6.5 - 9.0 No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Tritium <3.5 Bq/L 4.8 Bq/L 32.2 Bq/L 3.4 Bq/L 7,000 Bq/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Gross Alpha <0.11 Bq/L <0.03 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L <0.07 Bq/L 0.5 Bq/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Gross Beta 0.09 Bq/L 0.08 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L 0.07 Bq/L 1 Bq/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L 10 Bq/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Copper N/A N/A 1.23 µg/L N/A 2 - 4 µg/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Zinc N/A N/A 1.27 µg/L 0.82 µg/L 30 µg/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Aluminum N/A N/A 4.54 µg/L 1.64 µg/L 100 µg/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Iron N/A N/A 0.65 µg/L 1.27 µg/L 300 µg/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Cadmium N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L <0.03 µg/L 0.09 µg/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Cobalt-60 N/A <0.29 Bq/L <0.26 Bq/L <0.27 Bq/L 12.1 Bq/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Total Dissolved Solids N/A N/A 197 mg/L 178 mg/L 500 mg/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Ammonia N/A N/A <0.2 mg/L <0.24 mg/L 0.3 mg/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Temperature N/A N/A N/A 20.2 °C N/A No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Hydrazine N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L <0.1 µg/L 2.6 µg/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) Morpholine N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L N/A 0.004 mg/L No DP07-W04
Water Lake (surface) pH N/A N/A 8.1 8.3 6.5 - 9.0 No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Tritium 3.6 Bq/L 5.1 Bq/L 19.4 Bq/L 3.3 Bq/L 7,000 Bq/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Gross Alpha <0.11 Bq/L <0.03 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L <0.07 Bq/L 0.5 Bq/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Gross Beta 0.09 Bq/L 0.07 Bq/L <0.1 Bq/L <0.07 Bq/L 1 Bq/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L <0.24 Bq/L 10 Bq/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Copper N/A N/A 4.27 µg/L N/A 2 - 4 µg/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Zinc N/A N/A <0.5 µg/L <0.79 µg/L 30 µg/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Aluminum N/A N/A 2.6 µg/L 8.02 µg/L 100 µg/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Iron N/A N/A 3.9 µg/L 3.55 µg/L 300 µg/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Cadmium N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L <0.03 µg/L 0.09 µg/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Cobalt-60 N/A <0.29 Bq/L <0.26 Bq/L <0.27 Bq/L 12.1 Bq/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Total Dissolved Solids N/A N/A 229 mg/L 193 mg/L 500 mg/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Ammonia N/A N/A <0.2 mg/L <0.24 mg/L 0.3 mg/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Temperature N/A N/A N/A 20 °C N/A No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Hydrazine N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L <0.1 µg/L 2.6 µg/L No DP08-W05
Water Lake (surface) Morpholine N/A N/A <0.1 mg/L N/A 0.004 mg/L No DP08-W05
Food Milk (raw) Tritium 3.4 Bq/kg fresh weight 6.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A 5,560 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP09-F01
Food Milk (raw) Organically Bound Tritium 1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A 2,260 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP09-F01
Food Milk (raw) Cesium-137 N/A 0.39 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A 24.5 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP09-F01
Food Milk (raw) Cobalt-60 N/A <0.32 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A 10.9 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP09-F01
Food Apples Tritium 11.9 Bq/kg fresh weight 7 Bq/kg fresh weight 12.6 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 123,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP10-F02
Food Apples Organically Bound Tritium <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight 1.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 50,300 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP10-F02
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A 3.09 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No DP10-S06
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A <0.99 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No DP10-S06
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A N/A 3.3 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No DP10-S07
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A N/A <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No DP10-S07
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A <3.2 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP10-V06
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A <3.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP10-V06
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium N/A N/A 56.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP10-V07
Vegetation Mixed grass Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A 1.6 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP10-V07
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A N/A <5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP10-V07
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A N/A <5.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP10-V07
Food Potatoes Tritium 13.4 Bq/kg fresh weight 6.5 Bq/kg fresh weight 13.8 Bq/kg fresh weight 10.7 Bq/kg fresh weight 279,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F03
Food Potatoes Organically Bound Tritium 1.6 Bq/kg fresh weight 2.1 Bq/kg fresh weight 2.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 121,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F03
Food Kale Tritium 21.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 8.8 Bq/kg fresh weight 6 Bq/kg fresh weight 104,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F04
Food Kale Organically Bound Tritium <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <1.2 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 45,200 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F04
Food Chicken (necks) Tritium 2.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A 196,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F05
Food Chicken (necks) Organically Bound Tritium <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A 85,500 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F05
Food Chicken Tritium N/A N/A 7.2 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 196,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F06
Food Chicken Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A 2.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 85,500 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F06
Food Chicken (breast) Tritium N/A 3.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 4.7 Bq/kg fresh weight 196,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F06
Food Chicken (breast) Organically Bound Tritium N/A 10.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A 85,500 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F06
Food Swiss Chard Tritium N/A 7.4 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A 104,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F07
Food Swiss Chard Organically Bound Tritium N/A 3.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A 45,200 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F07
Food Tomatoes Tritium N/A 12.4 Bq/kg fresh weight 15.9 Bq/kg fresh weight 14.1 Bq/kg fresh weight 123,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F08
Food Tomatoes Organically Bound Tritium N/A <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 50,300 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-F08
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A 6.15 Bq/kg dry weight 4.8 Bq/kg dry weight 4 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No DP11-S05
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A <0.99 Bq/kg dry weight <0.9 Bq/kg dry weight <0.8 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No DP11-S05
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium N/A N/A 16 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-V05
Vegetation Mixed grass Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A 4.3 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-V05
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A <3.2 Bq/kg fresh weight <5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-V05
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A <3.5 Bq/kg fresh weight <5.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP11-V05
Food Milk (raw) Tritium N/A N/A 3.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 5,560 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP12-F09
Food Milk (raw) Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 2,260 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP12-F09
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <0.000055 Bq/m³ 2.56 Bq/m³ No DP13-A13
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <0.000074 Bq/m³ 0.832 Bq/m³ No DP13-A13
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritium N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/m³ 340 Bq/m³ No DP13-A13
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A 3.5 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No DP13-S13
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <0.8 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No DP13-S13
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium N/A N/A N/A 8.9 Bq/kg fresh weight 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP13-V13
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <2.2 Bq/kg fresh weight 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP13-V13
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <2.6 Bq/kg fresh weight 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP13-V13
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A 3.2 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No DP14-S14
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <0.8 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No DP14-S14
Sand 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <0.5 Bq/kg dry weight 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No DP14-SA14
Sand 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <0.8 Bq/kg dry weight 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No DP14-SA14
Vegetation Mixed grass Tritium N/A N/A N/A 6.9 Bq/kg fresh weight 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP14-V14
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <2.2 Bq/kg fresh weight 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP14-V14
Vegetation Mixed grass Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <2.6 Bq/kg fresh weight 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No DP14-V14
Water Lake (surface) pH N/A N/A N/A 8.6 6.5 - 9.0 No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Tritium N/A N/A N/A 3.7 Bq/L 7,000 Bq/L No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Gross Alpha N/A N/A N/A <0.07 Bq/L 0.5 Bq/L No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Gross Beta N/A N/A N/A <0.07 Bq/L 1 Bq/L No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <0.24 Bq/L 10 Bq/L No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Zinc N/A N/A N/A <0.79 µg/L 30 µg/L No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Aluminum N/A N/A N/A 3.02 µg/L 100 µg/L No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Iron N/A N/A N/A 0.58 µg/L 300 µg/L No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Cadmium N/A N/A N/A <0.03 µg/L 0.09 µg/L No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <0.27 Bq/L 12.1 Bq/L No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Total Dissolved Solids N/A N/A N/A 184 mg/L 500 mg/L No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Ammonia N/A N/A N/A <0.24 mg/L 0.3 mg/L No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Temperature N/A N/A N/A 20.4 °C N/A No DP14-W14
Water Lake (surface) Hydrazine N/A N/A N/A <0.1 µg/L 2.6 µg/L No DP14-W14

1 The < symbol indicates that a result is below the provided laboratory analytical detection limit.

2 N/A – not available

3 For radiological parameters (expressed as Bq/L, Bq/kg or Bq/m3) where no federal or provincial guidelines exist, our screening levels were established based on conservative assumptions using CSA standard N288.1-14, Guidelines for Calculating Derived Release Limits for Radioactive Material in Airborne and Liquid Effluents for Normal Operation of Nuclear Facilities. The screening level for a particular radionuclide in a particular medium (e.g., water, air, food) represents the activity concentration that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv/year (millisieverts per year), a dose at which no impacts on human health are expected. For more information, please refer to the IEMP technical information sheet.

4 Tritiated water (HTO) is a radioactive form of water where the usual hydrogen atoms in water (H2O) are replaced with tritium. Elemental tritium (HT) refers to the radioactive form of hydrogen gas. Organically bound tritium (OBT) is tritium that is bound to an organic molecule, such as a carbohydrate, fat, or protein.

5 For water samples, the results for non-radiological parameters are compared to Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life. Where no CCME guidelines exist, Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality are used.

2021 Results

The 2021 IEMP sampling plan for the Darlington Nuclear Generating Site focused on radioactive and hazardous contaminants. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on the licensee’s approved environmental monitoring program and our regulatory experience with the site. We endeavour to incorporate traditional Indigenous land use, values, and knowledge by engaging with Indigenous Nations and communities on the sampling plan. More information on this engagement is provided in the “Indigenous Nations and Communities’ Participation” section.

In August 2021, we collected air, water, soil, sand, vegetation, and local food samples in publicly accessible areas outside the facility perimeter.

The levels of radioactivity and hazardous substances measured in air, water, soil, sand, vegetation, and local food samples were below available guidelines and our own screening levels. Our screening levels are based on conservative assumptions about the exposure that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv per year (1/10 of the regulatory public dose limit of 1 mSv per year). Measurements conducted through the IEMP to date have consistently found levels of radioactivity in the environment to be low, and well within the range of natural background radiation levels. As a result, no effects on human health are expected.   

2014, 2015, and 2017 Results

The 2017 IEMP sampling plan for the Darlington site focused on nuclear and hazardous contaminants. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on OPG's approved environmental monitoring program, CSA Group standards and the CNSC's regulatory experience with the site. In 2017, samples were collected in publicly accessible areas outside the Darlington site perimeter and included water, soil and beach sand, air, vegetation, and foods such as meat, fruits, vegetables and milk from local farms. View detailed sampling data.

The radiological and non-radiological analysis in air, water, sand, soil, vegetation, as well as samples of food, was below guidelines and CNSC screening levels. CNSC screening levels are based on conservative assumptions about the exposure that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv/year, which represents one-tenth of the CNSC's public dose limit of 1 mSv/year. No health impacts are expected at this dose level.

Indigenous Nations and communities’ participation

We have made it a priority to ensure that IEMP sampling reflects Indigenous traditional knowledge, land use, and values where possible. In addition to routine IEMP sampling activities, we seek input from potentially interested Indigenous Nations and communities on our IEMP sampling plans.

In advance of the 2021 IEMP sampling campaign at Darlington Nuclear Generating Site, notification emails were sent to potentially interested Indigenous Nations and communities to notify them of the sampling campaign and to seek input on the sampling plan. We invited suggestions for species of interest, valued components, and potential sampling locations where traditional practices and activities may take place.

Curve Lake First Nation (CLFN) joined us to participate in the sampling for a day. Having CLFN representatives participate in the sampling promotes a better understanding of sampling methods and locations and improves input into future sampling in terms of CFLN species of interest, valued components, and potential sampling locations.
We will continue to engage with interested Indigenous Nations and communities to ensure that IEMP sampling incorporates Indigenous knowledge in future campaigns.

View detailed sampling data.

Focus on health

We review the results of existing scientific evidence and conduct health studies to provide further independent verification that the health of people living near the Darlington Nuclear Generating Site is protected.

A recent and comprehensive CNSC study on the health of people living near nuclear power plants, found that all cancers for all age groups, in individuals living near these facilities, were similar to the rest of Ontario. In particular, there was no evidence of increases of childhood leukemia. These findings are consistent with research studies conducted around nuclear power plants in other countries (i.e. the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Finland). The body of evidence demonstrates that people who live near nuclear power plants, such as the Darlington Nuclear Generating Site, are as healthy as the rest of the general Canadian population.

Based on exposure and health data, we have not observed and do not expect any adverse health outcomes relating to the presence of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Site. Access our library of health studies and third-party research.

If you would like more general health information and data for your community, please visit the following websites:

Home and Community Care Support Services Central East

Durham Public Health

Cancer Care Ontario (reports)

Public Health Ontario (data and analysis products)

Conclusions

Our IEMP results from 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2021 are consistent with the results submitted by OPG, supporting our assessment that the licensee’s environmental protection program is effective. The results add to the body of evidence that people and the environment in the vicinity of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Site are protected and that there are no anticipated health impacts expected from the operation of the facilities on the site.

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