CNSC sampling confirms effectiveness of environmental protections at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has published the results of its Independent Environmental Monitoring Program (IEMP) at the McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR), confirming the effectiveness of MNR’s environmental protection program.
In May 2023, CNSC staff collected environmental samples, including air and soil, from public areas located near MNR and measured the amount of radioactive substances in the samples. CNSC’s technical specialists have tested and analyzed the samples and published the results on their website.
The levels of radioactivity measured in the air and soil were below CNSC’s screening levels and well within the range of natural background radiation levels.
The results confirm that the environmental protection program implemented at MNR by McMaster’s Nuclear Operations & Facilities and Health Physics staff is effective; that people and the environment in the vicinity of MNR are protected; and that there are no anticipated health impacts from the operation of the facilities on the site.
About the McMaster Nuclear Reactor
The McMaster Nuclear Reactor (MNR) is a 5 MW multi-purpose reactor that provides neutrons for research and medical isotope production. It is Canada’s most powerful nuclear research reactor and the nation’s only major neutron source, enabling discoveries in medicine, clean energy, nuclear safety, advanced materials and environmental science.
McMaster holds several licences from the CNSC – Canada’s nuclear materials regulator – which allow University personnel to operate McMaster’s nuclear research facilities and work with radioactive materials. McMaster’s Health Physics department is responsible for ensuring the radiological safety and training of those who work with nuclear substances and radiation devices in the McMaster community.
About the IEMP
The IEMP is a national environmental monitoring campaign established to verify that the public and the environment around licensed nuclear facilities are safe. The program is designed to build Indigenous and public trust in the CNSC’s regulation of the nuclear industry via independent, technical and accessible environmental sampling.
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