Chalk River Information Bulletin

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).

(2009 May 17) The following is an update regarding a small contained Heavy Water leak within the NRU reactor facility, as reported on May 15, 2009.

NRU remains safely shut down while investigation activities into the location of the leak continue. AECL reports the leak rate to be at about 5kg/hr total, this is comparable to a leaking faucet dripping once per second.

Due to high air flow in the area, a small portion of the leakage evaporates and results in a monitored tritium release through the NRU ventilation system. The remainder continues to be collected and stored.

The release is well below regulatory limits and monitoring of radiological emissions is continuing.

AECL continues to make progress in our investigation for the source of the leak. Production of medical isotopes continues and AECL expects to meet its production requirements through most of the next week.

AECL confirms that there is no threat to workers, the public, the environment or nuclear safety related to this event. AECL will provide updates to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and stakeholders when new information becomes available.

-30-

For more information contact:

Dale Coffin
Director, Corporate Communications
AECL, 1-866-886-2325