Frequently Asked Questions regarding the CNSC Order to SRB Technologies
of Pembroke, Ontario
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) issued an Order on Tuesday,
August 15 to SRB Technologies (Canada) Incorporated (SRBT) requesting that
the licensee immediately cease and desist the processing and use of tritium
that is required for, associated with, or arises from the operation of the
nuclear substance processing facility.
The Order was issued to prevent further contamination and unreasonable risk
to the environment surrounding the facility. The contamination is isolated
to the land in the immediate vicinity of the facility.
At this time there is no indication of risk to the health or safety of the
community or the workers.
The following FAQ’s have been prepared to respond to some questions :
Q: Does the radioactive contamination of the groundwater from SRB pose a
health risk to me and my family?
No, the contamination of groundwater is at a level that does not pose a risk
to any member of the public. The groundwater on the land where SRBT is located
is not being used as a source of drinking water.
Q: How long will the radioactive contamination remain in the groundwater?
The extent and magnitude of groundwater contamination on the land where SRBT
is located is not fully defined at this time.
Preliminary estimates are that the contamination will remain for many years.
As more information becomes available a more complete assessment will be done.
Q: Is there any chance that the radioactive contamination will make it into
the municipal water system?
No. The water distribution system is closed and is fed by a surface water
source not connected to the groundwater contamination.
Q: Is it safe to use and drink the tap water in Pembroke?
Yes. The water distribution system is closed and is fed by a surface water
source not connected to the groundwater contamination.
Q: Is it safe to eat fruits and vegetables that have been grown in the area?
Yes. Studies performed by CNSC concluded that the public is not exposed to
unreasonable risk if they consume local fruits and vegetables.
This assessment was done using very conservative methods assuming that a person
would get all of their vegetable consumption from the highest measured values
from gardens very close to SRBT.
Q: How does this affect people working and living close to SRBT? Are there
any restrictions on use of the adjacent land?
The contamination is isolated to the groundwater and land in close proximity
to the facility. All available information indicates that radiation doses of
people living or working in the vicinity of SRBT are below the regulatory limits
and do not pose an unreasonable risk to the health and safety of people.
There have been no restrictions placed on the use of land in the Pembroke
Area as a result of this Order. The CNSC will continue to monitor and assess
the situation and would take any measures, deemed necessary, to protect the
environment and the health and safety of people.
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