Independent Environmental Monitoring Program: Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Site

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[ ] Guideline/Reference Level

2020/2021 results

While some samples were collected as planned in 2020, other planned sampling from 2020 had to be completed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This campaign will therefore be referred to as “2020/2021”.  

The 2020/2021 IEMP sampling plan for the Point Lepreau nuclear generating site focused on nuclear contaminants. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on the licensee’s approved environmental monitoring program and our regulatory experience with the site. We endeavor to incorporate traditional Indigenous land use, values and knowledge by engaging with Indigenous Nations and communities on the sampling plan. More information on this engagement is provided in the Indigenous Nations and Communities’ Participation section.

In 2020, we collected water, soil, sand, vegetation, and local food samples. In 2021, we collected traditional First Nation foods and plants, as well as air samples. All samples were collected in publicly accessible areas outside the Point Lepreau nuclear generating site.

The levels of radioactivity measured in samples were compared against available guidelines and our own screening levels. Our screening levels are based on conservative assumptions about the exposure that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv/year (one-tenth of the regulatory public dose limit of 1 mSv/year). As many of the foods and plants of interest to Indigenous Nations and communities are not regularly assessed by us or by other federal or provincial bodies for radioactivity, there are no established guidelines or screening levels for these samples. In this case, the CNSC collected the same species from an area upstream and upwind that is not impacted by the operations of the Point Lepreau nuclear generating site to use as reference samples ^{Footnote 1}.

Results of the 2020/2021 IEMP sampling campaign around the Point Lepreau nuclear generating site show that the levels of radioactivity measured in samples were below available guidelines and our screening levels. For samples where no guidelines or screening levels exist, results were compared to reference1 samples. Measurements conducted by the IEMP to date have consistently found levels of radioactivity in the environment to be low, and well within the range of natural background radiation levels. As a result, no effects on human health are expected.  

2017 Results

The 2017 IEMP sampling plan for the Point Lepreau nuclear generating site focused on nuclear contaminants. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on NB Power’s approved environmental monitoring program and our regulatory experience with the site. In 2017, samples were collected in publicly accessible areas outside the site perimeter and included surface and well water, soil and sediment, air particulates, vegetation, and food such as fish and shellfish and produce from local farms outside of the site perimeter fence. View detailed sampling data.

The measured radioactivity in all the samples with detectable radionuclide concentrations were below our screening levels. There was one water sample in Duck Cove that showed a slight increase in tritium over other years sampled. However, the result of 100.7 Bq/L is in the numerical range of other water samples in close proximity, as reported in NB Power’s annual compliance reports, and well below the 7,000 Bq/L guideline for tritium in drinking water. Our staff will continue to monitor this location in future IEMP sampling. The screening levels are based on conservative assumptions about the exposure that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv/year, which represents one tenth of our public dose limit of 1 mSv/year. No health or environmental impacts are expected at these levels.

2016, 2015 and 2014 results

The 2016, 2015, and 2014 IEMP sampling plan for the site focused on nuclear contaminants. A site-specific sampling plan was developed based on NB Power’s approved environmental monitoring program, CSA Group standards and our regulatory experience with the site. Samples were collected in publicly accessible areas outside of the Point Lepreau nuclear generating site perimeter and included water, soil, sediment, air, vegetation, and food. View detailed sampling data.

The measured radioactivity in all the samples with detectable radionuclide concentrations was below our screening levels. Our screening levels are based on conservative assumptions about the exposure that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv/year, which represents one tenth of our public dose limit of 1 mSv/year. No health or environmental impacts are expected at these levels.

Indigenous Nations and Communities’ participation

We have made it a priority to ensure that IEMP sampling reflects Indigenous traditional knowledge, land use and values where possible. In addition to routine IEMP sampling activities, we seek input from local Indigenous Nations and communities on our IEMP sampling plans.

For the 2020/2021 IEMP campaign, we collaborated with 2 Indigenous representative organizations: the Wolastoqey Nation in New Brunswick and Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Incorporated. Samples of traditional foods and plants were incorporated into the sampling plan to ensure meaningful results were obtained.

View detailed sampling data

Conclusions

Our IEMP results from 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2020/2021 are consistent with the results submitted by NB Power, supporting our assessment that the licensee’s environmental protection program is effective. The results add to the body of evidence that people and the environment in the vicinity of the Point Lepreau nuclear generating site are protected and that there are no anticipated health impacts.