Loss of waste water from transfer tank

Chalk River Information Bulletin

(2010 May 14) The following information bulletin is in accordance with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's (AECL) ongoing commitment to voluntary public disclosure of events related to the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL).

AECL reports a loss of approximately 5,220 litres of waste water from an underground transfer tank used by the waste treatment centre located at the Chalk River site. The loss of liquid is estimated to have occurred over a period from April 5, 2010 to May 9, 2010. This event was reported to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) on May 10, 2010.

The tank is used in the transfer of waste water collected from laboratory buildings at the Chalk River Laboratories. The liquid is primarily process water that contains trace amounts of radioactivity and laboratory chemicals, including a small amount of mercury (approximately 44 mg, less than the amount that would fit on the head of a pin).

Groundwater monitoring has not detected any contamination due to this event.  Additional environmental monitoring is underway to fully assess the on-site impact of this event and determine remediation options.

The cause of the event is currently under investigation. The tank has been drained and taken out of service. The liquid recovered from the tank has been transferred to the waste treatment centre and will be processed as part of normal operations.

AECL confirms that there is no threat to workers, the public, the environment or nuclear safety related to this event.

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Contact:
Patrick Quinn
Manager, Site & Community Affairs
AECL, (613) 584-8500