Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced the Commission's decision to amend Bruce Power's power reactor operating licence for Bruce Nuclear Generating Stations (NGS) A and B, with respect to fitness-for-service requirements for pressure tubes. The nuclear generating stations are located in the Municipality of Kincardine, Ontario, and on the traditional territory of the Anishinabek Nation: the Peoples of the Three Fires known as Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomie Nations. Thanks are given to the Chippewas of Saugeen and the Chippewas of Nawash, now known as the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, as the traditional keepers of this land. The Bruce region is also homeland to the Historic Saugeen Métis and to the Métis Nation of Ontario. This decision follows a public hearing in writing with interventions.
The Commission decided to remove licence condition 15.3, related to pressure tube fracture toughness, and to include a new licence condition requiring an enhanced fitness‑for-service program for fuel channels in extended operation. The licence amendment reflects recent Commission decisions with respect to elevated hydrogen equivalent concentrations ([Heq]) in pressure tubes. The amended licence remains valid until September 30, 2028.
In making its decision, the Commission considered written submissions from Bruce Power, CNSC staff and 8 intervenors. The Commission also considered submissions from the Commission's External Advisory Committee on Pressure Tubes.
After reviewing all submissions, the Commission concluded that Bruce Power remains qualified to carry on the activities that the amended licence will authorize. The Commission also concluded that the proposed licence amendment will not result in any changes to Bruce Power's operations, nor will it result in any adverse impacts to any potential or established Indigenous and/or treaty rights.
