MP Gallant Applauds Nuclear Industry Workers

February 04, 2008

Chalk River, Ontario - MP Cheryl Gallant, (Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke) is pleased to confirm that at 12:40 PM February 2nd, the second emergency back-up pump was commissioned and operational.

“Congratulations to the women and men for their commitment to safety in getting the second pump operational well before the 120 day time period that was part of the emergency legislation to get medical isotope production back in operation,” stated Cheryl Gallant, MP.

HANSARD February 4, 2008

CHERYL GALLANT, MP RENFREW-NIPISSING-PEMBROKE (CONSERVATIVE):

Cheers were heard up and down the Ottawa Valley when, at 12:40 am on February 2nd, the second emergency back-up pump was successfully connected to the emergency power supply for the National Research Reactor, and became fully operational.

Congratulations to the women and men at the Chalk River Laboratories who worked tirelessly to secure our nation’s supply of medical isotopes.

The NRU has dependably provided this nation’ s supply of medical isotopes for over 50 years. While the isotope maker is served by eight pumps, one pump is sufficient to provide cooling flow when the reactor is shut down for regular maintenance.

On December 14th of last year the back-up, back-up emergency power system’s 1st pump was operational. This announcement is for the second emergency back-up back-up pump.

The men and women at AECL are committed to the safe and reliable operation of the NRU.

Congratulations Chalk River!

The connection of the seismically qualified DC motor starter to pump #104 completes the work authorized under Bill C-38. When the legislation was passed on December 12, 2007, the emergency power supply was in the process of being connected to pump #105. The work on pump #105 was completed safely on December 14, and the reactor was restarted on December 16. AECL kept the federal government, the CNSC and local community stakeholders informed of its progress throughout the process of completing the work.

To see video of Cheryl Gallant in the House, click here.