The Commission concludes that AECL is qualified to carry out the activities that will be permitted under its current operating licence and that it will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, the health and safety of persons, and the maintenance of national security and measures required to implement international obligations to which Canada has agreed
– By April Murelio –
Following a public hearing held on July 5, 2010, in Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has announced its decision to authorize AECL to reload fuel in the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor and proceed to the restart of the reactor. The installation is located in Chalk River, Ontario.
During the one-day hearing, the Commission received and considered CNSC staff recommendations and the submissions from AECL and four intervenors.
The Commission concludes that AECL is qualified to carry out the activities that will be permitted under its current operating licence and that it will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, the health and safety of persons, and the maintenance of national security and measures required to implement international obligations to which Canada has agreed.
A Summary Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision (www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/eng/commission/pdf/2010-07-05-SummaryDecision-AECL-NRU-e-Edocs3572189.pdf) and transcripts of the hearing are available on the CNSC Web site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca, or by contacting the CNSC. The webcast of the hearing will also be archived on the same site for a period of 90 days. A detailed Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision, will be available in both official languages on the CNSC web site at a later date.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.