CNSC Approves Renewal of AECL's Chalk River Site Operating Licence

CNSC Approves Renewal of AECL's Chalk River Site Operating Licence
 
Chalk River, 2011 October 28 — Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is pleased to report that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has approved its application to renew the operating licence for the Chalk River Laboratories Site for a period of 5 years.
 
The new licence goes into effect November 1, 2011 and is valid until October 31, 2016. The previous 63-month licence expires on October 31, 2011.
 
The operating licence was granted following a two-day Commission hearing held respectively in Ottawa on June 8, 2011 and in Chalk River on October 4, 2011. At the hearing, AECL experts, CNSC staff and community and industry stakeholders made written submissions and/or oral presentations to the Commission. Based on AECL’s application and submissions, CNSC staff recommended the licence be renewed.
 
"I am extremely pleased that the Commission has renewed the Chalk River operating licence for five years," said Dr. Robert Walker, AECL President and Chief Executive Officer. "This license is vital to enabling AECL to deliver value to Canadians and the world as Canada’s premier nuclear Science and Technology organization.”
 
The Chalk River Laboratories operating licence covers a broad range of nuclear activities and facilities, including the operation of the National Research Universal (NRU) reactor. A key condition of the new licence is completion of AECL’s Integrated Implementation Plan for the NRU reactor to implement improvements to meet current codes and standards, and to support the continued safe and reliable operation of the reactor.
 
Randy Lesco, AECL's Chief Nuclear Officer Designate and site licence holder, said, "The five year licence period demonstrates the confidence that the CNSC has in AECL’s performance as a licensee and in our ability to operate with due regard of the environment, of security and of the best interests of Canadians. AECL takes our responsibilities seriously and we are committed to safe operation throughout the licence period."
 
"We would like to sincerely thank the members of our local and nuclear communities who participated in the public hearing," added Dr. Walker. "We truly appreciate the level of support for and interest in AECL as expressed by stakeholders. We will continue to engage in dialogue with the public and interest groups throughout the new licence period."
 
About AECL
 
Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is Canada’s premier nuclear science and technology laboratory. For over 50 years, AECL has been a world leader in developing peaceful and innovative applications from nuclear technology through its expertise in physics, metallurgy, chemistry, biology and engineering.
 
Over 3,000 highly skilled employees deliver a range of nuclear services – ranging from research and development, to specialized technology, waste management and decommissioning.
 
Today, AECL continues its commitment to ensure that Canadians and the world receive energy, health, environmental and economic benefits from nuclear science and technology with confidence that nuclear safety and security are assured.
 
As the world's largest producer of radionuclides, the NRU reactor is a multi-purpose research reactor and is Canada's premier facility for nuclear power and materials research. It also produces medical radioisotopes, including molybdenum-99, iodine 125 and 131, xenon 133 and cobalt-60 that are used for molecular imaging, and cancer diagnostic and therapy.
 
More information on AECL can be found at www.aecl.ca.

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Contact
 
Patrick Quinn
Manager, Site & Community Affairs
AECL, 1-866-886-2325