he following information bulletin is in accordance with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) ongoing commitment to voluntary public disclosure of events related to the Whiteshell Laboratories (WL).
Pinawa, MB – 2021 January 28 – The Whiteshell Environmental Protection Program maintains a comprehensive effluent and environmental monitoring program.
Recent analyses of interim effluent sampling have indicated an increase in the level of caesium in the Whiteshell site outfall. While the levels currently remain below the action level, additional sample analyses are in progress. The source of the contaminant is suspected to be work activities related to demolition of Building 200, the former Active Liquid Waste Treatment Centre, at the WL facilities.
All demolition activities at the site have been stopped and an investigation is underway.
Initial sampling results indicate that levels remain well below the regulatory limits as established by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The CNSC has been updated on the preliminary results and on the actions undertaken by Whiteshell staff.
Action levels, an internal threshold set well below CNSC’s regulatory limit, are meant to provide early warning to ensure a regulatory release limit is not exceeded.
CNL confirms that there is no threat to workers, the public, the environment or nuclear safety related to this event.
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Contact:
Patrick Quinn
Director, Corporate Communications
CNL, 1-866-886-2325