The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has issued orders to all major nuclear facilities in Canada, including Atomic Energy of Canada's (AECL) Chalk River Laboratories, to review their ability to withstand external hazards, such as seismic activity, floods, and fire.
The communiqué comes in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, which severely damaged the nuclear power plant in Fukushima, releasing traces of radiation into the water and atmosphere.
The CNSC is requesting that Canadian nuclear plant operators assess threats from "external hazards such as seismic, flooding, fire, and extreme weather events" and outline their preparedness plans to prevent and respond to any "severe accidents."
The facilities have until April 1 to reply to the letter and confirm they can meet an April 29 deadline for a review of short-term and long-term measures to address any significant deficiencies in preparedness.
