News

CNSC Receives Application for License to Prepare Site for a New Nuclear Plant

November 7, 2008
Marketwire

Ottawa, Ontario - On October 31, 2008, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
received an application for a licence to prepare a site and a project
description from Bruce Power Erie Inc. for a proposed new nuclear power
plant in the Haldimand-Norfolk region of southern Ontario. The submission
mentioned that two nuclear reactors would be built at the future plant to
potentially generate between 2,200 and 3,200 megawatts of electricity to the
Ontario grid.

The application for a licence to prepare a site is the first in a
series of applications to build and operate a new nuclear power plant, as
part of the CNSC licensing process.

"Canada is at the forefront of nuclear regulation in the world, thanks
to the development of a rigorous and efficient system for licensing new
nuclear power plants. This system, combined with CNSC's extensive experience
in regulating a wide range of nuclear activities, can assure Canadians that
we strive for the highest standards of health, safety, security and
environmental protection," said Michael Binder, President and CEO of the
CNSC. "At the same time, we proceed in an open and transparent manner, which
includes significant public participation throughout the entire process,
starting with the environmental assessment," Mr. Binder added.

Next, the CNSC will be reviewing the project description to ensure
that its documentation is complete. If necessary, the nuclear regulator will
request Bruce Power Erie to provide any missing or additional information.
When the project description is deemed to be adequate, the CNSC will
initiate the environmental assessment process under the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act.

The environmental assessment (EA) process is a pre-requisite for the
licensing of a new nuclear power plant. An EA identifies whether a specific
project is likely to cause significant environmental effects, and determines
if those effects can be avoided or mitigated. No licence decision can be
made before an EA has been completed. While carrying out an EA, the CNSC
works closely with other provincial and federal agencies and consults the
public and aboriginal groups.

Further developments in the proposed project - starting with the
application for a licence to prepare site and the project description - will
also be tracked through the Government of Canada's recently created Major
Projects Management Office (http:// www.mpmo-bggp.gc.ca/index-eng.php).

About the CNSC:

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates the use of nuclear
energy and materials to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians
and the environment; and to respect Canada's international commitments on
the peaceful use of nuclear energy.