Transport Canada Assurances:
”Plutonium Fuel Will Not be Flown”

Verbatim Excerpts From:

Transport Canada Review of
Two Emergency Response Assistance Plans
Proposed by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited
for the Importation of up to Six Shipments of
Test Samples of MOX Fuel
November 4, 1999

Annex B:Summary of public comments
relating directly to the proposed
emergency response assistance plans.

 

H. Safety of MOX Fuel

H.2
[ Public comment, paraphrased by Transport Canada ]
This material is very carcinogenic. Only need to inhale 27 micrograms of plutonium dust to cause lung cancer in a human adult.

[ Response to public comment by Transport Canada ]
Because it has the potential for damage if inhaled, the material will not be flown and will be contained in a Type B container to ensure there is no rupture, crushing and subsequent release of any dust.

 

H.6
[ Public comment, paraphrased by Transport Canada ]
The population would be exposed if plutonium became airborne. Public health and welfare of major concern.

[ Response to public comment by Transport Canada ]
Because it has the potential for damage if inhaled, the material will not be flown and will be contained in a Type B container to ensure there is no rupture, crushing and subsequent release of any dust.

H.9
[ Public comment, paraphrased by Transport Canada ]
MOX fuel is not a regular dangerous good. Accident consequences are far reaching.

[ Response to public comment by Transport Canada ]
A very severe and highly unlikely accident could result in the release of a heavy dust. Because it has the potential for damage if inhaled, the material will not be flown and will be contained in a Type B container to ensure that there is no rupture, crushing and subsequent release of any dust.

I. Mode of Transport
I.1
[ Public comment, paraphrased by Transport Canada ]
The Government could change air regulations. Could fly over less populated areas.

[ Response to public comment by Transport Canada ]
Not until there were a container deemed safe enough to survive all credible airplane accidents.

I.2
[ Public comment, paraphrased by Transport Canada ]
Notes that the United States do not want to fly the shipment.

[ Response to public comment by Transport Canada ]
It is presently against both Canadian and United States law to fly the MOX test samples.

 

 

 

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