The Fort McMurray Historic Uranium Cleanup Project

Abstract

The Fort McMurray Historic Uranium Cleanup Project involved the removal of 42,000 m3 of soils contaminated with uranium ores and ore concentrates from various properties in the City of Fort McMurray, Alberta. These soils were placed into long-term management in a dedicated, locally developed and secure facility. The soil contamination addressed by the program was the result of incidental spillage and tracking of ores during the unloading of barges and the loading of rail cars as materials were transported via Fort McMurray from uranium mines in the Northwest Territories to a refinery in Port Hope, Ontario. The project was executed over a 10- year time period, involved the participation of the local community at critical junctures, and restored 28 ha of land to productive use.