[ RadSafe ] Isotope shortage-CNSC response

[FISHER Spencer -NUCLEAR]

CNSC statement regarding AECL's NRU reactor 

07-39 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2007 


The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has the mandate to ensure the safety of Canadians and the environment by providing regulatory oversight of the nuclear industry.

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) has a licence to operate the National Research Universal (NRU) nuclear reactor at Chalk River that is issued by the CNSC.

AECL's licence was renewed in August 2006 to operate an upgraded reactor. In November 2007, CNSC staff discovered that the NRU reactor facility status was not in compliance with CNSC licence conditions. 

Following AECL's planned maintenance shutdown, AECL announced its decision to extend the shutdown of the NRU reactor to complete upgrades as required under the conditions of its licence.

At an already scheduled Commission meeting this morning, the Commission Tribunal heard information from CNSC staff and AECL regarding a Significant Development Report at the NRU facility concerning the extended shutdown.

CNSC staff has on-going regulatory oversight of the facility, is present at the Chalk River site and will approve the restart of operations once it is satisfied that all the regulatory requirements under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and its regulations are met. 

The CNSC is aware of the importance of the beneficial use of radioisotopes and has staff available on a 24/7 basis to immediately respond to any AECL submissions related to the resumption of operations.

Additionally, the CNSC will make every effort to expedite import requests for radioisotopes.

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Contact:Aurèle Gervais
Media and Community Relations
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
613-996-6860

Spencer M. Fisher
Generals - Authorization Training Instructor
Nuclear Theory
1480 Bayly St.
Pickering, Ont
L1W 3T8
905-837-4274
Fax: 905-837-4270
Cell Phone: 416-508-7216 





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