The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has issued an administrative monetary penalty to Cameco Corporation in the amount of $17,830. In May 2017, CNSC staff conducted an inspection at Cameco’s Port Hope Conversion Facility and found that Cameco had failed to verify that work was being performed correctly and according to approved procedures as required by Cameco’s PHCF licence conditions handbook. These actions constituted a failure to comply with a condition of a licence, in accordance with paragraph 48(c) of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.
Northumberland 89.7 spoke with Gord Struthers, Cameco's spokesperson at its Saskatoon Headquarters. Struthers emphasized that the infraction did not involve harm to any individual or the environment. He said Cameco sees the importance of all nuclear safety regulations and has taken disciplinary action for this breach. Staff are maintaining stricter compliance with the requirements and Cameco has undertaken its own investigation to ensure it will be fully compliant in future.
