Nuclear Free

Conservation Council of New Brunswick News Release

August 5, 2009

The Conservation Council wants NB Power and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission to release the results of their safety inspection of Point Lepreau’s reactor housing -  known as the calandria.  During the public hearings into the Lepreau refurbishment, the former Vice-President of NB Power Nuclear Rod White described the discovery of faults in the reactor calandria as a “show-stopper” for the refurbishment.

AECL has now completely dismantled Point Lepreau’s nuclear reactor, allowing for a first-time-ever inspection of the calandria interior to determine whether its welds are in sufficient condition to permit another 25 years of operation.

“The integrity of the welds in the calandria shell must be beyond reproach to safely contain the enormous amount of radiation created during nuclear fission,” said David Coon, Executive Director for the Conservation Council.   “That’s why we want the results of the inspections released to the public,” said Coon.

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Contact:  David Coon,  Executive Director
Francophone Spokesperson, Julie Michaud
(506) 458-8747