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CNSC Announces Decision to Issue a Transport Licence and Certificate to Bruce Power Inc. for the Transport of 16 Decommissioned Steam Generators to Sweden

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision to issue a transport licence and certificate to Bruce Power for the transport of 16 decommissioned steam generators to Sweden. The licence will be valid for a period of one year from February 4, 2011 until February 3, 2012.

In making its decision, the Commission considered information presented at a public hearing held on September 28 and 29, 2010 in Ottawa, Ontario. During the hearing, the Commission received and considered CNSC staff recommendations and submissions from Bruce Power and 77 intervenors. Following the hearing, the Commission requested additional information and allowed additional time for supplementary written submissions from hearing participants. CNSC staff's supplementary submission was received on October 18, 2010 and 32 supplementary participant submissions were received by the November 22, 2010 deadline.

In making its decision, the Commission considered various issues related to Bruce Power's qualifications to carry out the proposed activities and the adequacy of the proposed measures to protect the environment, the health and safety of persons, national security and Canada's international obligations.

Based on its deliberations, the Commission is satisfied that the environmental review conducted under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act provides sufficient treatment of the potential adverse environmental impacts of the conduct of the proposed activities.

The Commission is satisfied that Bruce Power's application meets the international regulations of the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Canadian requirements of the Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations for a special arrangement.

The Commission is therefore satisfied that the risk to the health and safety of the public and the environment posed by the proposed activity is negligible.

The Commission is satisfied that Bruce Power is qualified to carry out the activities to be permitted under the licence and certificate, and that Bruce Power will make adequate provisions to protect the environment, the health and safety of persons, and to maintain national security and measures required to implement Canada's international obligations.

Further details on the Commission deliberations and decision can be found in the Record of Proceedings, including Reasons for Decision and transcripts (September 28 Transcript, September 29 Transcript) of the hearing, which are available on the CNSC Web site at , or by contacting the CNSC. The Webcast of the hearing is also archived on the same site for a period of 90 days.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment; and to implement Canada's international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Read more about Bruce Power's application for a transport licence for the shipment of steam generators to Sweden for recycling.