CNSC Receives Application for Potential Construction of New Reactors

06-24

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 17, 2006

Ottawa – The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) received today an application from Bruce Power to prepare a site for the potential construction of new reactors at its Bruce County facility.

“The CNSC has already defined the licensing process for new nuclear power plants in anticipation of such an application and will proceed in an open, transparent and efficient manner”, said Linda J. Keen, President and CEO of the CNSC.

An environmental assessment (EA) with meaningful opportunities for public participation is a key pre-requisite for the licensing of a new nuclear reactor. The CNSC has extensive experience with EAs, and works closely with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency and other federal and provincial agencies to ensure an effective and efficient EA process that follows the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA). An EA is a key planning tool used by the CNSC for the oversight of environmental management, if projects are approved.

“The CNSC has already been planning for this possibility through discussions with the CEA Agency. We are ready to move forward on this application – and any other applications that meet the criteria set out earlier this year – to the extent possible”, added Ms. Keen. “However, attention to new reactors will not deflect our attention from our key priorities: the safety of our only client, the Canadian public, and the ongoing oversight of existing nuclear power plants and the other licensed facilities.”

For further information, please refer to the Licensing Process for New Nuclear Power Plants in Canada which can be viewed on the CNSC’s website at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca.

The CNSC’s mission is to regulate 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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Contact:
Sunni Locatelli
Director, Communications Programs Division
Communications Directorate
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
(613) 995-2903
1-800-668-5284