Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Ontario
Proposed Addition of a Low Enriched Uranium Fuel Bundle Manufacturing Line
Environmental assessment start date: June 6, 2007
Type: Screening (external link)
CEAR reference number: 07-01-26561 (external link)
Proponent: GE-Hitachi
Location: Peterborough (Ontario)
Latest Update
Project Description:
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has received notice of intent and a project description from GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy Canada (GE-Hitachi) for a licence amendment to manufacture low enriched uranium (LEU) fuel bundles at its Peterborough facility.
The GE-Hitachi Peterborough facility is currently licensed to produce fuel bundles consisting of natural uranium. GE-Hitachi proposes to manufacture LEU fuel bundles of enrichment of less than 5% U-235 by weight, using uranium dioxide pellets manufactured in North Carolina. The project includes the addition of new equipment to support an LEU manufacturing line, including a LEU pellet receipt area, a LEU fuel bundle production area, and a LEU fuel bundle storage area. All activities and new equipment installation for LEU fuel bundle production are proposed to be conducted in currently licensed areas. The LEU fuel bundle production is proposed to be concurrent with, but physically separate from, natural uranium fuel bundle production areas. No new structures or new licensed facilities are proposed, no expansion to licensed areas is proposed, and no change in production limit is requested.
CNSC approval to add a LEU manufacturing line at the GE-Hitachi Peterborough facility requires an amendment to GE-Hitachi's nuclear fuel facility operating licence, pursuant to subsection 24(2) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA).
Before the Commission may consider a decision on licensing under the NSCA regarding GE-Hitachi's proposal, an environmental assessment must be completed in compliance with the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act . The purpose of an environmental assessment is to identify the possible environmental effects of a proposed project, and determine whether these effects can be mitigated before the project is allowed to proceed.
The environmental assessment to be completed under the CEAA will provide part of the information that the Commission will use in considering GE-Hitachi's proposal.
Further Information
For questions or information directly related to the environmental assessment of the proposed project, please contact:
Dr Caroline Ducros
Environmental Assessment Specialist
Environmental Assessment Division
Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
P. O. Box 1046, Station B
Ottawa, ON
K1P 5S9
Telephone: 1-800-668-5284
Fax: (613) 995-5086
Email: ceaainfo@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca
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.
