May 2006 — Cameco Port Hope’s licence renewal process by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission begins shortly with hearings expected late this year.
The licence renewal for Cameco’s uranium conversion facility is a straight renewal. Zircatec is applying for a licence amendment. Zircatec has had a licence to work with enriched uranium for four decades, as well as natural uranium. However, in order to supply Bruce Power with a new product that will enhance reactor safety margins, Zircatec plans to increase the amount of slightly enriched uranium on site, while maintaining current licence limits for total uranium.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is the nuclear energy and materials regulator in Canada. The CNSC is an independent agency of the government of Canada and operates in a transparent manner. Its activities are subject to formal public scrutiny.
In addition to nuclear power plants and nuclear research facilities, the CNSC regulates numerous other uses of nuclear material. Some examples include radioisotopes used in medical diagnostic practices and for the treatment of cancer, the operation of uranium mines and refineries, and the use of radioactive sources for oil exploration and in instruments such as precipitation measurement devices.
The commission makes decisions on the licensing of nuclear facilities through a public hearing process. The public hearing gives affected parties and members of the public an opportunity to be heard before the commission. Following a public hearing, the commission deliberates and makes its decision on the matter.
Commission hearings are governed by the CNSC rules of procedure, under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA). In accordance with those rules, public hearings normally take place on one day (a one-day hearing) or on two, non-consecutive days (a two-day hearing). Most decisions involving major nuclear facilities are made following a two-day public hearing.
For more information on the CNSC, go to nuclearsafety.gc.ca
