nuclear-news

Despite previous radioactive spills, Point Lepreau nuclear reactor will not be fully monitored

Point Lepreau has been out of service since March 2008 for a major refurbishment designed to extend the life of the reactor by 25 years. It is scheduled to reopen this fall, three years behind schedule.

Nuclear watchdog unable to closely monitor Point Lepreau Limited resources prevent full oversight, says senior staffer CBC News Jun 21, 2012  Senior staff at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission say the regulatory body is unable to monitor the refurbishment and pending restart of New Brunswick’s Point Lepreau nuclear generating station as closely as it would like. He was answering questions about a recent heavy water spill at Lepreau, which is located in west Saint John.

“Our resources are limited,” said Rzentkowski. “We would like to do it, but it is physically impossible.”

About 300 litres of tritiated heavy water spilled on May 21 when a valve opened too soon during pressure testing at the plant.

NB Power crews were testing the system that transfers heat from the reactor up to steam powered turbines as part of preparations to restart the plant when they overpressurized the system….

There were two previous spills at Lepreau.

On Dec. 13, less than six litres of heavy water splashed to the floor, forcing an evacuation of the building.

The following day, NB Power issued a statement saying that three weeks earlier another spill had occurred. About 23 barrels of water laced with the toxic chemical hydrazine was released into the Bay of Fundy.

Both incidents occurred as part of preparations for restarting the plant.

Point Lepreau has been out of service since March 2008 for a major refurbishment designed to extend the life of the reactor by 25 years. It is scheduled to reopen this fall, three years behind schedule.

Point Lepreau is Atlantic Canada’s only nuclear reactor. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/story/2012/06/21/nb-point-lepreau-nuclear-safety-spill.html

June 22, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Canada, safety