Information update on Bruce Power's proposed plan to ship 16 steam generators to Sweden

July 14, 2010

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) received a transport licence application from Bruce Power on April 1, 2010. The company proposes to transport 16 steam generators by ship through the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway to Sweden for recycling in the fall of 2010.

Further to several media reports highlighting concerns about the proposed shipment, the CNSC wishes to ensure that the facts are presented properly and in the appropriate context.

The CNSC’s mandate is to protect the health, safety and security of the public and the environment. We will not issue a licence for any activity, including the transport of radioactive material, unless it is safe.

Bruce Power's application for a transport licence is currently the subject of a formal technical review by CNSC staff. At this time, a final determination has not been made on the approval process for the licence. It is important to note that the proponent does not specify nor request what process is used to review the licence application and make the decision. In general, low risk licences like this one are issued by Designated Officers (DO) rather than by the Commission Tribunal. The rigour of the technical review is the same in each case and the decision is based on the recommendation of CNSC staff.

Because the level of contamination is very low and confined to the inner parts of the steam generators, they do not present a risk to the public, workers or the environment. Indeed, at the beginning of their use in the plant, the generators were non-radioactive pieces of equipment that only become slightly contaminated through use.

This would not be the first time used steam generators from nuclear power plants are shipped to Sweden for recycling. More generally and to put such shipments in context, it should be noted that radioactive materials, such as medical isotopes and radioactive sources used in industrial applications, are shipped across Canada and around the world on a regular basis without risk to the public or the environment.

Those concerned by Bruce Power's proposed shipment of used steam generators can be confident that no licence will be issued unless the regulator is convinced that the shipment will be completed safely, without risk to the health, safety or security of Canadians or the environment.

The public is encouraged to address any questions or concerns to the CNSC by email at info@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca, or by phone at 1-800-668-5284.

The public can also write to us at the following address:

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Headquarters
280 Slater Street
P.O. Box 1046
Station B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5S9