Packaging and transport of used nuclear fuel in Canada
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and Transport Canada jointly oversee the safe transport of all nuclear substances in Canada. This includes used nuclear fuel.
Transport overview
The transport of nuclear substances is subject to the requirements of:
- CNSC’s Packaging and Transport of Nuclear Substances Regulations, 2015 (PTNSR 2015)
- Transport Canada’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations (TDG Regulations)
There is no difference from a regulatory perspective between the transport of used nuclear fuel and the transport of other nuclear substances. The transport of nuclear substances, including used nuclear fuel, must comply with both the PTNSR 2015 and the TDG Regulations. These regulations apply to all individuals and organizations involved in handling, offering for transport, transporting or receiving nuclear substances.
Packages are selected according to the nature, form, quantity and activity of the material, regardless of its intended or past use.
Key points
Note these key points about the packaging and transport of used nuclear fuel in Canada:
- As with all nuclear substances, the packaging and transport of used nuclear fuel is a strictly regulated activity.
- Transport safety relies primarily on the design of the transport package.
- Transport security plans are required for shipments of used nuclear fuel.
- Consignors must have plans in place in the unlikely event of an accident.
Ensuring the safe transport of used nuclear fuel
Transporting used nuclear fuel is a highly regulated activity with a strong safety record. Packages for used nuclear fuel are designed, tested and certified to withstand accident conditions. Used fuel has been transported safely by road, rail, water and air for more than 60 years. There have been no reported serious injuries, fatalities or environmental consequences related to its radioactive nature.
Regulatory oversight of the package and transport of used nuclear fuel is achieved by:
- certifying package designs
- registering users of certified packages
- issuing a licence for the transport of used nuclear fuel that includes a transport security plan
- performing inspections
Modes of transport
The guiding principle in transporting nuclear materials is that safety depends mainly on the design of the transport package. All modes of transport, whether by road, rail, air or sea, are seen as equally safe for used nuclear fuel as a result.
Package safety
Transport packages for used nuclear fuel undergo rigorous certification by the CNSC. Designs must pass strict performance tests, including:
- a 9-metre drop onto an unyielding surface
- exposure to 800 °C for 30 minutes
- immersion in 15 metres of water for 8 hours without loss of containment
The CNSC’s team of certification engineers examine and scrutinize the safety analysis of the package designs submitted by the package designers. Only designs that meet all performance specifications are certified and allowed to be used for transporting used nuclear fuel. Each package is CNSC-certified for the specific mode(s) of transport in which it is intended to be used.
Security measures
Shipments of used nuclear fuel require a transport security plan, prepared by the consignor (sender) and assessed by the CNSC. Transport security plans and routes are classified as prescribed information and cannot be shared with the public. This information is shared only with those with a valid need-to-know status, such as police response forces.
Emergency response
Consignors and carriers must have emergency measures in place in the unlikely event of an accident. The consignor’s emergency response plan or transport plan contains the procedures to follow in the event of an accident.
Used nuclear fuel is a solid material and any contamination would be localized to the immediate area around the container. The contamination would be cleaned up quickly in the unlikely event of a release of a nuclear substance. The PTNSR 2015 requires that all accidents and dangerous occurrences are reported to the CNSC immediately.
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