OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Oct. 28, 2011) - The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has released its Fukushima Task Force Report and proposed Management Response. The Task Force concludes that Canadian nuclear power plants (NPPs) are safe.
After reviewing the ability of Canada's CANDU NPPs to withstand conditions similar to those that triggered the Fukushima event, the Task Force confirms that the Canadian regulatory framework is strong and effectively applied to the whole range of plant conditions, including severe accidents; that emergency preparedness and response measures are adequate; and that there are no significant gaps in nuclear emergency planning at the provincial or federal levels.
Nevertheless, in the interest of continuous improvement, a series of recommendations in the report aims to further enhance the safety of nuclear power plants in Canada. Many of these recommendations were already being considered and implemented by the CNSC and licensees as part of normal regulatory oversight.
In addition, the CNSC has agreed to undergo an international peer review by participating in an Integrated Regulatory Review Service mission led by the International Atomic Energy Agency. This review will further assess CNSC actions in response to the Fukushima event.
The public and stakeholders are invited to provide written comments on the Task Force report and the proposed Management Response. This input will be incorporated into a comprehensive CNSC Action Plan to be presented to the Commission at a public meeting on February 15, 2012.
The public has until December 1, 2011, to provide comments in writing. Comments should be submitted by email to dprrconsult-consultdrcn@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca.
The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; and to implement Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
Related links:
CNSC Fukushima Task Force Report
CNSC Management Response to CNSC Fukushima Task Force Recommendations
Contact Information:
Commission Secretariat
613-947-0247
1-800-668-5284
interventions@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca