CNSC Announces Decision to Renew the Power Reactor Operating Licence for the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station and ...

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 17, 2012) - Following a two day public hearing, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision to renew the Power Reactor Operating Licence issued to New Brunswick Power Nuclear (NBPN) for its Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station, for the period between February 17, 2012 until June 30, 2017. The Commission concurrently revokes operating licence PROL 17.01/2012. In addition, the Commission grants NBPN permission to proceed with fuel reload and restart of the reactor.

The Commission, in making its decision, considered information presented for a public hearing held on October 6, 2011 in Ottawa, Ontario and on December 1 and 2, 2011 in Saint John, New Brunswick. During the public hearing, the Commission received and considered submissions from NBPN and 37 intervenors, as well as CNSC staff's recommendations.

The Commission is satisfied that the licensee meets the requirements of section 24 of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. The Commission concludes that NBPN is qualified to carry out the activities that will be permitted under the renewed 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.

With this decision, the Commission has recommended the completion of a site-specific seismic hazard assessment. The Commission further requires that NBPN share the results of this assessment as part of its public information program.

The Commission notes that CNSC staff presents its annual Integrated Safety Assessment of Canadian Nuclear Power Plants, including the Point Lepreau facility, at a public proceeding of the Commission in approximately August of each year, and that the public will have an opportunity to provide written comments on this report.

A Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision 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 is also archived on the same site for a period of 90 days.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) 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.