The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced today its decision to renew the Nuclear Fuel Facility Operating Licence for Cameco Corporation’s facility located in Port Hope, Ontario. This decision was made following a 2-day public hearing held on October 4, 2006 in Ottawa, Ontario and November 28 and 29, 2006, in Port Hope, Ontario. The operating licence will come into effect on March 1, 2007 and will be valid for a five-year period.

The Commission requests that CNSC staff present to the Commission a status report on the performance of the facility during the first half of the licence term. The status report will be presented at a public proceeding of the Commission.

During the public hearing, the Commission considered written submissions and oral presentations from Cameco Corporation, CNSC staff and 164 intervenors. The Commission concluded that Cameco Corporation is qualified to carry on the activities that the licence will authorize and that it will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, the health and safety of persons, and the maintenance of national security and measures required to implement international obligations to which Canada has agreed.

A Record of Proceedings including Reasons for Decision and transcripts of the hearing are available on the CNSC Web site at www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca, or by contacting the CNSC.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment and to respect Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Contact:
Pascale Bourassa
Commission Secretariat
613-947-0247
1-800-668-5284
interventions@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca