Key potential environmental impacts (continued)

Other

Radiation and nuclear power plants

In operating plants, nuclear power producers must meet regulatory standards and limits set by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. According to these regulations, the maximum allowable exposure a person can receive from a nuclear plant is 1,000 microsieverts annually (a sievert is a unit used to measure the absorbed dose of radiation). Nuclear power operators such as Ontario Power Generation set operating targets to remain below 10 microsieverts each year.

Nuclear power plant operators control radioactive emissions by paying close attention to regulating plant equipment and procedures for handling and storing radioactive materials. For example, Ontario Power Generation regularly carries out comprehensive environmental monitoring programs at its three nuclear plants, sampling air and water around the plants to ensure safe radioactivity levels.

Can used fuel be recycled?

Most commercial nuclear power reactors use a “once-through” fuel cycle, consuming about one per cent of the fuel fed to them and then sending the used fuel directly to disposal. All of Canada’s nuclear plants use this fuel cycle.

This process, currently the simplest and most economic, is encouraged by abundant and low cost supplies of rich uranium. But as rich uranium ores are gradually depleted, some nuclear energy producers outside Canada are exploring alternative ways to recycle the uranium energy still remaining in used fuel. Recycling or “reprocessing” involves dissolving the used fuel, removing true wastes and recovering unused uranium and plutonium to produce fresh fuel. Reprocessing facilities currently operate in the UK, Russia, France and Japan. Each year these reprocess about 5,000 tonnes of used fuel.

Reprocessing facilities currently operate in the UK, Russia, France and Japan. Each year these reprocess about 5,000 tonnes of used fuel.

How are radioactive materials transported?

The nuclear power industry follows strict operating controls and packaging procedures to safely transport uranium, nuclear fuel and radioactive waste materials. In each case the packaging depends on the contents. Radioactive wastes such as used reactor components are loaded into reinforced and shielded transportation containers. Low-level wastes such as rags and floor sweepings are packaged in plastic bags and placed in special shipping packages.

How is industry regulated?

Canada’s nuclear industry is regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, an independent federal body which has the power to regulate nuclear activities to ensure that the peaceful use of nuclear energy does not pose unreasonable risk to the health, safety and security of Canadians and their environment. Its enabling legislation, the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, provides a framework for regulating the industry.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission exercises its authority in cooperation with various other federal and provincial government departments. For example, CNSC and provincial regulators inspect and examine uranium mine operations to ensure employees and the environment are protected. CNSC also inspects power plants during construction and throughout their operating life.