CNSC Announces Decision to Renew the Operating Licence for the AECL Chalk River Laboratories

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 27, 2011) - Following a two day public hearing, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision to renew the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) Chalk River Laboratories Operating Licence for a period of five years. The licence will be valid from November 1, 2011 until October 31, 2016.

The Commission, in making its decision, considered information presented for a public hearing held on June 8, 2011 in Ottawa, Ontario and on October 4, 2011 in Chalk River, Ontario. During the public hearing, the Commission received and considered submissions from AECL and 14 intervenors, and CNSC staff's recommendations.

The Commission is satisfied that the licensee meets the requirements of section 24 of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and 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 incorporates the authorization of activities related to Dedicated Isotope Facility into the renewed operating licence for the CRL site. The Commission requests that AECL prepare yearly reports on compliance monitoring and operational performance. In addition, with respect to operation of the National Research Universal reactor, the Commission expects to receive AECL's report on progress made regarding the reactor vessel inspection by the end of February 2012.

A Summary Record of Proceedings and 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 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 (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.