Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission hearings into Bruce Power’s licence renewal are underway in Port Elgin.
CEO Duncan Hawthorne says there are three parts to their request — a licence renewal for Bruce A and B, a new fuel system design, and permission to load fuel for Units One and Two at Bruce A once refurbishing work is done.
Hawthorne highlighted Bruce Power’s improvement methods, safety record, and community role to the seven member commission.
He wants the commission to know that Bruce Power understands what the safety requirements for the Bruce A restart are, and that the prerequisites for safety will be met.
Hawthorne says the new streamlined five-year licence will be the first of its kind for any nuclear operator in Canada.
He says it relies more on codes and standards, creating more certainty and efficiency between the licence holder and regulators about what expectations have to be met.
Hawthorne responded to Commissioner Doctor Moyra McDill’s question about exactly when Bruce Power plans to have the two Bruce A units operating again.
He says the company does not want to commit to an exact time because it all depends on meeting regulatory requirements.
Chair Dr. Michael Binder commended Bruce Power for its public disclosure about the exact levels of radiation the plant releases.
0.13 per cent of the dose of radiation a person living within 10 kilometres of Bruce Power receives comes from the plant.
Commissioner Doctor Christopher Barnes asked how Bruce Power plans to address the need to protect whitefish habitats in Lake Huron, and the the concerns of Inverhuron landowner, Eugene Bourgeois.
Hawthorne says he’d rather discuss those matters during Thursday’s sessions, when members of the public have their opportunity to give input into the licensing process.
The licence renewal hearings are taking place at the CAW Family Education Centre in Port Elgin.