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 19, 2026 |
| Incident Date | January 15, 2026 |
| Incident | Transportation Incident |
| Details | A tractor trailer carrying two 48Y cylinders of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) was involved in a minor incident on Highway 401 eastbound, just past the Alexandria Bay off-ramp. While travelling eastbound, the traffic ahead came to a stop; the driver slowed to a stop and was rear-ended. There was no damage to the 48Y cylinders, however the rear axle was damaged. The tractor trailer remained roadworthy and there was no damage to the cylinders of UF6. The vehicle continued onto its intended destination. There was no health or safety risk posed to the public or the environment. |
| Corrective Action | Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. |
| Cameco Environmental Effect Rating | no measurable impact to the environment1 |
- Past reporting
Posting Date January 19, 2026 Incident Date January 15, 2026 Incident Transportation Incident Details A tractor trailer carrying two 48Y cylinders of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) was involved in a minor incident on Highway 401 eastbound, just past the Alexandria Bay off-ramp. While travelling eastbound, the traffic ahead came to a stop; the driver slowed to a stop and was rear-ended.
There was no damage to the 48Y cylinders, however the rear axle was damaged. The tractor trailer remained roadworthy and there was no damage to the cylinders of UF6. The vehicle continued onto its intended destination.
There was no health or safety risk posed to the public or the environment.
Corrective Action Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Cameco Environmental Effect Rating no measurable impact to the environment1 Posting Date January 12, 2026 Incident Date January 5, 2026 Incident Transportation Incident Details A tractor trailer carrying two 48Y cylinders of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) was involved in a minor incident on Highway 25 in Montreal, Quebec. A third-party vehicle merged into the side of the tractor trailer carrying the cylinders. The tractor trailer remained roadworthy and there was no damage to the cylinders of UF6. The vehicle continued onto its intended destination. There was no health or safety risk posed to the public or the environment. Corrective Action Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. Cameco Environmental Effect Rating no measurable impact to the environment1 Posting Date Oct. 2, 2025 Incident Date Sept. 24, 2025 Incident Environmental Release and ERT Activation Details There was an unplanned release from the liquid dropline in the UF6 plant. Process smoke detectors triggered an HVAC shutdown and emergency ventilation was automatically activated. Safety systems worked effectively and as intended.
There was no health or safety risk posed to the public or the environment.Corrective Action Immediate action was taken to safely stop the release. A sucker hose was deployed in the area for fume collection. Cameco activated the Emergency Response Team and completed a census of the UF6 plant.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has been notified.Cameco Environmental Effect Rating no measurable impact to the environment1 Posting Date August 26, 2025 Incident Date August 20, 2025 Incident Pressure Boundary Failure – UF6 Plant Details A hydrofluoric acid (HF) line in the UF6 plant failed during an attempt to clear a blockage using heat tape, in accordance with established procedures. HF levels of 10 ppm and 6 ppm were detected by monitoring equipment. Corrective Action The affected area was shut down, and a plant census was conducted to confirm personnel safety. Heating of HF lines has been paused pending a full investigation. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has been notified. Cameco Environmental Effect Rating no measurable impact to the environment1 Posting Date July 22, 2025 Incident Date July 20, 2025 Incident Emergency Response Team (ERT) Activation Details Security received an alarm indicating the presence of smoke in an electrical room of the UF6 plant. Upon investigation by the ERT, it was determined that the source of the smoke was an overheating transformer. No personnel were in the area at the time. Corrective Action The transformer was taken off-line. A maintenance notification has been submitted to initiate the rebuild or replacement of the transformer. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has been notified. Cameco Environmental Effect Rating no measurable impact to the environment1 Posting Date April 8, 2025 Incident Date April 3, 2025 Incident Transportation Incident Details Global Nuclear Fuel – Americas, LLC informed Cameco that they had received six 30B cylinders packaged in UX-30 protective shipping packages with valve protectors. The packaging requirements for the UX-30 specifies that the valve protector should be removed from the 30B cylinder prior to shipping. Corrective Action This matter will be investigated in accordance with Cameco’s corrective action process.
Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission transport section.
Cameco Environmental Effect Rating no measurable impact to the environment1 Posting Date March 5, 2025 Incident Date Feb. 27, 2025 Incident Transportation Incident Details A tractor trailer carrying one 48Y cylinder of uranium hexafluoride (UF6) was involved in a minor incident on Highway 402 near Sarnia, Ontario. The tractor trailer was travelling westbound on Highway 402 when it came to a stop behind a stationary vehicle. The stopped vehicle proceeded to back into the tractor trailer.
There was no damage to the tractor trailer, nor the cylinder of UF6 and the vehicle continued onto its intended destination. There was no health or safety risk posed to the public or the environment.
Corrective Action Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission transport section. Cameco Environmental Effect Rating no measurable impact to the environment1 Posting Date October 24, 2024 Incident Date October 23, 2024 Incident ERT Activation Details A small release of Uranium Hexafluoride (UF6) occurred from a line on the third floor of the UF6 plant. The plant was not in operation at the time. There was no health or safety risk posed to the public or the environment. Corrective Action The release was successfully contained and an investigation to determine the cause has been initiated.
When the release was discovered, the Emergency Response Team (ERT) was activated for standby support and performed air monitoring outside of the release area. Air monitoring was also conducted outside of the plant with nothing detected.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks have been notified.
Cameco Environmental Effect Rating no measurable impact to the environment1 Posting Date May 24, 2024 Incident Date May 14-16, 2024 Incident Environmental Limit Exceedance Details The Marsh Street high volume air sampler recorded a results of 148 µg TSP/m3, 121 µg TSP/m3 and 217 µg TSP/m3 suspended particulate (TSP) for the period of May 14-16, 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 The elevated dust results were localized and caused by sections of roadway along Marsh Street that were being prepared for paving (May 14), and asphalt paving (May 15), and street sweeping (May 16).
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks have been notified.
Cameco Environmental Effect Rating no measurable impact to the environment1 Posting Date April 23, 2024 Incident Date April 18, 2024 Incident Reportable Spill Details A vacuum truck was removing water from a storage tank containing accumulated rainwater from a floor area of a recently demolished building when the hatch of the vacuum truck leaked approximately 200L of water to the ground. Efforts were made to contain the leaked water however a small portion of that water, estimated up to 10 litres at an approximate uranium concentration of 120 µg/L, drained into the restricted harbour area where remediation activities are taking place.
There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers, or the environment.
Corrective Action A tray was placed under the leak, a second vacuum truck emptied the truck that was leaking, sandbags were placed at the nearby catch basin perimeter, and pooling water was recovered. The catch basin was pumped out for any remaining water that could be removed.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks have been notified.
Cameco Environmental Effect Rating no measurable impact to the environment1 Posting Date April 9, 2024 Incident Date April 9, 2024 Incident Emergency Transport to External Medical Facility Details A contractor sustained injuries while working at Cameco’s Dorset Street warehouse after falling from a height. The individual is in stable condition and was transported to a Toronto hospital via air ambulance.
There was no health or safety risk posed to the public or the environment.
There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers, or the environment.
Corrective Action Northumberland Paramedics and Port Hope Police attended the location and paramedics provided medical attention. The individual was transported to a Toronto hospital via air ambulance.
Cameco notified the Municipality of Port Hope, Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
All work at the Dorset Street warehouse location has been halted while the incident is investigated.
Cameco Environmental Effect Rating no measurable impact to the environment1 Posting Date April 8, 2024 Incident Date April 4, 2024 Incident Transportation Incident Details A transport carrying one cylinder of uranium material was involved in a minor traffic accident on the 401 westbound between Mavis Road and Creditview Road. Traffic had slowed down and came to an abrupt stop, resulting in the transport rearending another truck.
There was no damage to the cylinder and only minor damage to the front of the truck.
There was no health or safety risk posed to the public, workers or the environment.
Corrective Action A new transport truck and driver carried on with the shipment.
Cameco notified the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Cameco Environmental Effect Rating no measurable impact to the environment1 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 no measurable impact to the environment1 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 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.