NRU Status Update No. 69 - AECL provides update on NRU activities

CHALK RIVER, ON, Aug. 11 /CNW/ - The following information bulletin is in accordance with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's (AECL) ongoing commitment to voluntary public disclosure of events related to the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL).

AECL reports that progress continues with NRU return-to-service activities.

Tests on the main heavy water system referenced in last week's update and return-to-service activities for all 35 NRU auxiliary systems are now complete.

Over the next several days, the return-to-service team will be completing final restart activities. These activities include bringing the reactor back into service to complete low-power testing prior to returning the reactor to high-power operation.

Guidance on the duration of the shutdown continues to be founded on the best evidence available, and completing the critical path requirements for restart after an extended shutdown. It is estimated that NRU will resume isotope production by mid-August. At this critical time, any unforeseen delays could extend the NRU's return-to-service schedule. Further guidance on the return-to-service date will be provided when more information becomes available.

CNSC safety inspectors continue to provide independent regulatory oversight of AECL activities at the Chalk River site.

The NRU continues to be in a safe shutdown state with return to service activities in progress.

For further information: Robin Forbes, Manager, External Communications, AECL, 1-866-886-2325