Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission requirements for decommissioning financialguarantees

摘要

Canada's Nuclear Safety and Control Act of May 2000, (NSCA) established a new Canadiannuclear regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and gave it the authority to impose variouslicence conditions, including those requiring financial guarantees. Regulations established under the NSCAimpose on most facility licensees, a requirement for the early submission of decommissioning plans andassociated liabilities. Any financial guarantees that may be subsequently required as part of licensing must coverthe identified decommissioning liabilities. The form and nature of financial guarantees are not prescribed, butmust be such that the CNSC or its agents can, upon demand, access or direct adequate funds if a licensee is notable to fulfil its decommissioning obligations. The Canadian requirements for financial guarantees are beinggradually implemented on the basis of potential liability. Consequently, major Canadian nuclear licensees haveprepared decommissioning plans and have submitted acceptable financial guarantees. However, there are anumber of licensees who have yet to submit proposals for financial guarantees. This includes licensees who haveyet to meet the obligation placed upon them and those who have not had such a requirement applied to them.