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Environmental Assessment
Proposed use of Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) Fuel at the Bruce “B” Nuclear
Generating Station
Environmental assessment start date: December 12, 2003
Type: Screening
CEAR reference number:
04-01-591
Proponent: Bruce Power
Location: Bruce “B” Nuclear Generating Station , Tiverton, Ontario
Latest Update
- June 17, 2005 - Environmental Assessment Decision by a Designated Officer
concerning the proposed use of Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) Fuel at the
Bruce B Nuclear Generating Station – Having considered the screening report
and comments filed from the public, the Designated Officer accepted that the
project, taking into account the mitigation measures, will not cause
significant adverse environmental effects and that public concerns do not
warrant a reference to a mediator or review panel. The Designated Officer then
rendered his decision in accordance with section 20(1)(a) of the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act and directed Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
staff to proceed with the licensing process related to the project.
- December 1, 2004 - Request for Public Comment - Comment period closed
- October 27, 2004 - Request for Public Comment - Draft
Screening Report
- January 14, 2004 - Project Description (see below)
Project Description
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received notice of intent
from Bruce Power applying for approval, pursuant to condition 4.3 of Bruce
Power’s operating licence for the Bruce B NGS. The approval is for the
implementation of a new low void fuel design (New Fuel Project) for the Bruce B
reactors.
The proposal is to implement a new low void fuel design for the Bruce B
reactors, replacing the current 37 element natural uranium design with the
CANFLEX –LVRF ( New Fuel). The New Fuel would contain a neutron absorber and
slightly enriched uranium (SEU) containing approximately 1.0 % U235 compared to
natural uranium which contains 0.7 % U235. The SEU pellets would be contained
within a 43 element CANFLEX fuel bundle which differs in design from the bundle
presently in use. The use of this new fuel will result in improved safety
margins and may allow Bruce Power to operate the reactors at Bruce “B” at full
power, instead of the current 90% power output.
Should the CNSC approve the proposed fuel design, Bruce Power will have to
further obtain an amendment of its current Bruce B operating licence before it
is authorized to load fuel in the reactors. These decisions, to be made by a
CNSC Designated Officer pursuant to subsection 37(2) of the Nuclear Safety and
Control Act, may only be made following the completion of an environmental
assessment, carried out in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act.
The purpose of an environmental assessment is to identify the possible
environmental effects of a proposed project, and determine whether these effects
can be mitigated before the project is allowed to proceed.
Steps ahead:
- Development of EA Guidelines (Scope Document)
- Review of EA Study Report
- Preparation of Screening Report
- Public consultation on Screening Report
- EA Decision by Designated Officer
Further Information
For questions or information related to the environmental assessment on the
proposed used of Slightly Enriched Uranium (SEU) Fuel in Bruce “B” reactors,
please contact:
Guy Riverin
Environmental Assessment Specialist
Processing Facilities and Technical Support Division
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5S9
Telephone: 1-800-668-5284
Fax : (613) 995-5086
E-mail : ceaainfo@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
The CNSC maintains a public registry of documents related to its
environmental assessments. Lists and copies of documents may be obtained upon
request from:
Philippe Paquette
Project Officer
Directorate of Power Reactor Regulation
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P.O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON K1P 5S9
Telephone: 1-800-668-5284
Fax: : (613) 995-5086
E-mail: ceaainfo@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment and to respect Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
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