Nuclear Safety Commission Issues Order

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has issued an Order stemming from an investigation into an overflow of untreated water from a settling pond in Port Hope resulting in an off-site release. Heavy rainfall triggered the overflow on June 23.. The matter was reported immediately and on June 26 and 27 the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission investigated. The results of that investigation have led to the issuance of an Order that requires the licensee to:

1. Ensure its emergency preparedness measures with respect to emergency equipment and supplies are immediately available to mitigate accidental releases of untreated water from the licenced site and to submit a documented contingency plan within 30 days; and

2. Immediately review its water management plans and programs to ensure adequate storage capacity is available to prevent the release of radiological/nuclear and/or hazardous substances from the licenced site. A management plan is also to be submitted within 30 days.

Northumberland 89.7 previously reported that the quantity of untreated water released was insufficient to cause any danger to the public.