NRU Status Report
Chalk River Information Bulletin
(2009 May 15) The following information bulletin is in accordance with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited’s (AECL) commitment to enhance its voluntary public disclosure of events related to the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL).
On Thursday, May 14th, a loss of electrical power occurred in parts of eastern Ontario and western Quebec. As a result of the loss of power, the NRU reactor at AECL’s Chalk River facility was safely shut down.
During routine monitoring in the early morning hours of May 15th, a small leak of heavy water was detected within the reactor facility. The heavy water is fully contained and is being stored in specially designed drums. Associated with this leak, there are small amounts of heavy water evaporation. This results in a monitored tritium release through the NRU ventilation system.
NRU remains safely shut down. An investigation into the source of the leak is underway.
AECL confirms that there is no threat to workers, the public, the environment or nuclear safety related to this event. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission was notified. AECL will provide updates to the Regulator and stakeholders when new information becomes available.
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For more information contact:
Dale Coffin
Director, Corporate Communications
AECL, 1-866-886-2325