Andrea Pastori July 14,…

   Andrea Pastori July 14, 2017

 Cabinet Liaison and Strategic Policy Coordinator

 Strategic Policy Branch

 Ministry of Energy

 2nd floor, 880 Bay Street

 Toronto ON, M7A 2C1

  Dear Ms. Pastori:

  The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) appreciates the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed changes to Ontario’s Provincial Nuclear Emergency Response Plan (PNERP). CNA’s membership includes the licensees for four of the five nuclear installations covered by Ontario’s PNERP (FERMI 2 is not a member). Our members are strongly committed to public, employee and environmental safety and appreciate the opportunity to provide input to ensure the best possible programs are in place for any emergency.

  The CNA believes that Ontario’s current PNERP provides a very extensive and robust emergency plan that would serve Ontario well in the unlikely event of a nuclear emergency. However, it is always important to benchmark plans against international best practices and lessons learned. To that end, the CNA is supportive of the proposed changes which we believe will strengthen an already comprehensive and robust plan.

  The CNA would like to highlight a couple of key changes:

 •The CNA is a strong proponent for the alignment of federal and provincial regulations and was pleased to see proposals to align the PNERP with the revised Health Canada guidance pertaining to Potential Hazards and revised guidelines on Protective and Precautionary Measures and Operational Intervention Levels.

 •The CNA also agrees with the recommendations to develop a new Contingency Planning Zone (CPZ). The proposed 20km CPZ is a conservative measure that provides an additional buffer for emergency planning and response in keeping with international best practice.

  In conclusion, the CNA believes that the proposed changes will strengthen an already comprehensive and robust nuclear emergency planning system in the unlikely event of a nuclear emergency and we are pleased to support the proposed changes.

   Sincerely,

   Steve Coupland

 Director, Regulatory and Environmental Affairs

 Canadian Nuclear Association

[Original Comment ID: 210081]