CNSC Announces Decision on Licence Amendment for Bruce Power Inc.’s New Fuel Project at the Bruce B Nuclear Generating Station

06-16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2006

Following a hearing held on May 19, 2006, in Ottawa, Ontario, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision to amend the Bruce B Power Reactor Operating Licence for Bruce Power Inc.’s (Bruce Power) nuclear generating station located near Kincardine, Ontario. The amended licence will allow Bruce Power to begin the demonstration irradiation phase of the Bruce B New Fuel Project, with the purpose to demonstrate the performance of a qualified fuel bundle design. With this decision, the Commission approved the use of the new fuel, CANFLEX-LVRF, in the demonstration irradiation.

During the hearing, the Commission considered a written submission and oral presentation from CNSC staff. Bruce Power was also present to answer questions from the Commission. The Commission concluded that Bruce Power is qualified to carry on the activity that the licence will authorize 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.

A Record of Proceedings including Reasons for Decision and transcript of the hearing are available on the CNSC Web site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca, or by contacting the CNSC.

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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Contact:
Pascale Bourassa
Commission Secretariat
(613) 947-0247
1-800-668-5284