As part of a remediation initiative led by Nipissing First Nation, and in collaboration with the Nipissing-Miller Limited Partnership, EXP provided on-site support for radiation protection services during the excavation and removal of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) from Nipissing First Nation and Ministry of Transportation (MTO) lands.
A former mill located in the community of Yellek operated briefly in 1956 to process niobium ore with trace amounts of uranium from a historic mine on Newman Island in Lake Nipissing. The operation resulted in NORM tailings that were later used as fill material for road construction and at select private residences, contributing to legacy contamination in the area. The soil remediation initiative represents a major environmental cleanup effort addressing these impacts.
To allow the project to proceed, various community and regulatory stakeholders coordinated extensive environmental assessments and site preparations. Preparatory construction activities included establishing a significant staging area and haul routes, as well as protective measures such as security fencing and signage necessary for the safe excavation, transportation and disposal of NORM-impacted soil.
To address these risks, a comprehensive NORM management strategy was developed and implemented.
NORM management strategy
EXP provided project plans and procedures, including radiation protection, dust management and soil management plans to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines. These were implemented to provide protection for workers, the public and the environment.
Within the framework of the radiation protection plans, EXP also provided on-site support of the various project-specific control measures. Support included airborne particulate monitoring, an extensive dose management program (personnel dosimetry and records management), field radiation surveys and personnel and equipment contamination surveys to confirm safe release.
In total, 50,000 metric tonnes or approximately 1,400 truckloads of NORM-impacted soil were safely transported from the construction sites to an approved disposal facility.
Sustainability and community considerations
In advance of construction activities, EXP supported community information sessions led in partnership with Nipissing First Nation to ensure transparency and community awareness. The team also delivered training sessions for workers, drivers and visitors on project-specific radiation safety measures.
The project addresses historical contamination, supporting the restoration of lands and water systems for current and future generations. These efforts improved environmental quality while enabling safe future land use, supporting local workforce participation and respecting Nipissing First Nation’s stewardship of its lands and waters.
“The project was completed in close partnership with Nipissing First Nation, with open conversations and frequent communication,” Lead Radiation Protection Technician Darshan Shah said. “Our team worked to avoid cross-contamination, protect the health of Nipissing First Nation community members, and properly dispose of NORM-impacted materials in the area.”
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