News Releases

CNSC Announces Decision on Amendment of Operating Licence for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s Chalk River Laboratories

05-20

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2005

Following a 1-day public hearing, held on October 18, 2005, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision to amend the Nuclear Research and Test Establishment Operating Licence for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s (AECL) Chalk River Laboratories. The amendment will permit the National Reactor Universal (NRU) reactor to operate until July 31, 2006, beyond its previously scheduled shutdown on December 31, 2005.

During the public hearing, the Commission considered written submissions and oral presentations from AECL, CNSC staff and intervenors. The Commission concluded that AECL is qualified to operate the facility 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 transcripts 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 
interventions@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca