The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), a government agency, grants Point Lepreau its operating license and regulates the operation of nuclear facilities.

CANDU reactors are among the safest in the world. Here are some factors that make them safe:

• Redundancy - using at least two components or systems for a particular function so that one will be available if the other is not.
• Diversity - using two physically or functionally different means for a particular function in case there are flaws in either method.
• Separation - using barriers and/or distance to separate components or systems that perform a particular function.
• Protection - seismically and environmentally qualifying all safety systems, plus equipment and structures required to support safety.

There are backup power supplies and a backup control room. CANDU reactors are also equipped with four Special Safety Systems, which are designed to operate in the event of a serious incident or major equipment failure. Each of these systems functions independently.

Emergency Response Plan

Point Lepreau has an Emergency Response plan, which covers radiation/medical, fire, chemical contingencies and security issues.

Emergency Preparedness at Point Lepreau Generating Station:

Process

"It wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark." The above quote is really just a colourful way of stressing the importance of preparing for a rainy day, but it neatly sums up the reason for e m e rgency pre p a redness. No matter how remote the possibility of something happening, it pays to be pre p a red. The chances of something that would endanger the public or Point L e p reau Generating Station (PLGS) staff are astronomically low, but since the consequences could be serious, it still makes sense to be prepared.

If the astronomically remote odds are ever defied and an accident occurs at PLGS, the emergency plan will be immediately activated. Em ergency procedures will be utilized and a myriad of organizations would spring into action. Actions undertaken will depend upon the particular circumstances and may include:

• radiation surveys by PLGS staff
• hazardous material response
• fire fighting
• evacuation or sheltering of the public
• medical treatment
• roadblocks to control traffic

Mandate

The mandate of the Emergency Planning Group is to protect the:

• public
• people who work at the plant
• plant equipment
• environment

To demonstrate that our program meets or exceeds recognized world standards and regulatory requirements, we have based it upon internationally recognized guidelines such as:

• Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) Guides
• Institute of Nuclear Power Operators (INPO) Guides/Manuals
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safety Series Guides
• United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (USNRC) Regulations/Guides
• World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Performance Objectives/Criteria

Why do we conduct exercises?

There are several reasons to run exercises:

• to demonstrate the ability to respond to an emergency properly and quickly
• to identify any weaknesses or problems with the emergency plan
• to provide practice to all those who have a role in the emergency plan

In order to make sure that the many parts of our plan will work as intended, we run emergency exercises and drills. Most of these include only onsite PLGS staff. However, we also run large-scale exercises that include outside agencies. These are run in combination with the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization and usually include external fire departments, hospitals, ambulances, and service agencies. Large-scale exercises are conducted regularly.

Roles and responsibilities

NB Power is not solely responsible for the entire plan. NB Power is responsible for the portion of the response that takes place onsite and the New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization is responsible for the portions that occur offsite. N a t u r a l l y, the two o rganizations work closely together in developing, maintaining, and testing the plans, taking advantage of each group’s unique skills and knowledge. Furthermore, both depend upon the specialized skills of other dedicated organizations such as:

• Musquash Volunteer and Saint John Regional Fire Department
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• Local Ambulance
• Department of Public Health
• Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation
• Department of Natural Resources and Energy

Radiation Protection Program

The radiation protection program is designed to protect the general public and station staff from unnecessary exposure to radiation and is a key component in Point Lepreau's safety program.

Radiation is the process of emitting energy as waves or particles and has existed since long before life on earth began. If radioactivity interacts with anything, including people, it will deposit a small amount of energy that is called a radiation dose. The average Canadian receives two or three millisieverts, the basic measure of radiation, throughout a year from nature. The amount that the general public may receive from the operation of a nuclear power plant is so small as to be practically unmeasurable and may only be a few microsieverts. (A microsievert is a thousand times smaller than a millisievert).

The Health Physics Department establishes the standards for the radiation protection program, which are defined in NB Power's Radiation Protection Directives. These directives conform to applicable federal and provincial regulations, and have been approved by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. In addition, Health Physics is specifically responsible for activities such as training employees in radiation protection, measuring radiation exposure and radiation in the environment and planning for radiation emergencies.

Total radiation dose due to emissions at Point Lepreau Generating Station factsheet

Security

The Point Lepreau security team plays an important role in ensuring the safety and security of employees and the public. In order to fulfill their many duties, security guards are strategically assigned throughout the site.

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