CNSC issues BWXT Medical Ltd. a Class IB nuclear substance processing facility licence to operate the Nuclear Medicine Production Facility

October 15, 2021 – Ottawa

Today, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision to issue BWXT Medical Ltd. (BWXT Medical) a Class IB nuclear substance processing facility licence to operate the Nuclear Medicine Production Facility (NMPF) in Ottawa, Ontario. Until this decision, the NMPF was 1 of 2 production facilities operated by Nordion (Canada) Inc. under its own separate licence. This decision follows a public hearing held virtually on June 9, 2021. The licence allows BWXT Medical to process a variety of radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine at the NMPF.

In making its decision, the Commission considered submissions from BWXT Medical and 21 intervenors, as well as CNSC staff recommendations. The CNSC made participant funding available through its Participant Funding Program, and invited interventions from Indigenous groups, members of the public and stakeholders in this matter. Five requesters received participant funding to assist with their interventions.

After reviewing all submissions, the Commission concluded that BWXT Medical is qualified to carry out the nuclear processing activities that the new licence will authorize. It also concluded that BWXT Medical will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, and the health and safety of persons.

The record of decision is available on request to the Commission Secretariat at interventions@cnsc-ccsn.gc.ca. The decision will also be posted in both official languages at nuclearsafety.gc.ca at a later date. All submissions, hearing transcripts and the hearing webcast are available on the CNSC website.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.

Timeline

• BWXT Medical applied for a licence in December 2018.
• The CNSC made funding available in November 2020 through the Participant Funding Program to support Indigenous peoples, members of the public and stakeholders in presenting their views to the Commission.
• The Commission held a virtual public hearing on June 9, 2021 (hearing transcripts and webcast are available online or by request). 
• The licence is valid until October 31, 2031.