Independent Environmental Monitoring Program: Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Site

Facility name Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Site
Licensee New Brunswick Power Corporation (NB Power)
Facility names Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station and Solid Radioactive Waste Management Facility
Facility location The site is located on the Lepreau Peninsula, on the northern shore of the Bay of Fundy, 40 km southwest of Saint John, NB.
Land acknowledgement The CNSC acknowledges that the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Site is located within the territory covered by the Peace and Friendship Treaties with the Maliseet, Passamaquoddy and Mi’gmaq peoples.
Facility description NB Power operates one 705 megawatt CANDU reactor and the Solid Radioactive Waste Management Facility.
Environmental protection requirements In accordance with regulatory requirements under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, all licensees must maintain a comprehensive environmental protection program to monitor and control nuclear and hazardous substances released from the facilities they own and operate. As part of every licensee’s environmental protection program, concentrations of contaminants in the environment must be determined and the potential exposure routes to the public must be assessed.

Our Independent Environmental Monitoring Program (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 from the operation of the nuclear generating site.

Legend

[ ] Guideline/Reference Level

Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Site

Sample Type Sample Description Parameter 2014 2015 2016 2017 2020 2021 Guideline/
Reference Level
Expected Health Impact (Yes/No) Sample Code
Food Milk - Raw Organically Bound Tritium <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2,260 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL01-F01
Food Milk - Raw Tritiated Water <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 5,560 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL01-F01
Sand 0-5 cm Cesium-137 <0.65 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL03-SA01
Sand 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.81 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PL03-SA01
Air Ambient Iodine-131 <0.003 Bq/m3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.228 Bq/m³ No PL04-A01
Food Blackberries Organically Bound Tritium <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 50,300 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F02
Food Blackberries Tritiated Water 6.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 123,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F02
Food Lettuce Organically Bound Tritium <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 121,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F03
Food Lettuce Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A 1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A 45,200 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F03
Food Lettuce Cesium-137 N/A N/A < 3.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A 160 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F03
Food Lettuce Tritiated Water N/A N/A 12.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A 104,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F03
Food Lettuce Tritiated Water 7.0 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 279,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F03
Food Lettuce Cobalt-60 N/A N/A < 4.2 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A 373 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F03
Food Carrots Organically Bound Tritium <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight 1.6 Bq/kg fresh weight 2.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 45,200 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F04
Food Carrots Cesium-137 N/A N/A < 1.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <0.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 429 Bq/Kg fresh weight No PL04-F04
Food Carrots Tritiated Water 7.4 Bq/kg fresh weight 13.1 Bq/kg fresh weight 10.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 10.3 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 104,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F04
Food Carrots Cobalt-60 N/A N/A < 1.4 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A 841 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F04
Food Beet greens Organically Bound Tritium N/A <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <1.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight 2.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 45,200 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F07
Food Beet greens Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <0.94 Bq/Kg fresh weight <1.2 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 160 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F07
Food Beet greens Tritiated Water N/A 9.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 11.4 Bq/Kg fresh weight 8.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 104,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F07
Food Beet greens Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <0.98 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 373 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F07
Food Apples Organically Bound Tritium <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight 2.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 2.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 50,300 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F14
Food Apples Cesium-137 N/A <0.82 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <0.80 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 258 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F14
Food Apples Tritiated Water 16.0 Bq/kg fresh weight 40.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 19.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 123,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F14
Food Apples Cobalt-60 N/A <0.97 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <0.83 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 242 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F14
Food Beets Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A <1.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 121,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F15
Food Beets Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <1.0 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 429 Bq/Kg fresh weight No PL04-F15
Food Beets Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A 3.8 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 279,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F15
Food Beets Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <1.1 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 841 Bq/Kg fresh weight No PL04-F15
Food Potato Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A 2.4 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 121,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F16
Food Potato Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <0.94 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 429 Bq/Kg fresh weight No PL04-F16
Food Potato Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A 15.3 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 279,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F16
Food Potato Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <1.1 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 841 Bq/Kg fresh weight No PL04-F16
Food Shellfish (periwinkle) Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A <1.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 1,040,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F17
Food Shellfish (periwinkle) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <1.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 3,700 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F17
Food Shellfish (periwinkle) Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A <3.0 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 2,400,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F17
Food Shellfish (periwinkle) Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <1.3 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 11,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F17
Food Dulse Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A <1.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 45,200 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F18
Food Dulse Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <1.1 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 160 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F18
Food Dulse Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A 4.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 104,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F18
Food Dulse Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <1.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 373 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F18
Food Zucchini Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A < 0.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 2.3 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 45,200 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F20
Food Zucchini Cesium-137 N/A N/A < 0.95 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <0.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 160 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F20
Food Zucchini Tritiated Water N/A N/A 20.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 37.6 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 104,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F20
Food Zucchini Cobalt-60 N/A N/A < 1.04 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A 373 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F20
Food Beans Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A N/A 4 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 45,200 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F21
Food Beans Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 160 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F21
Food Beans Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A 46.6 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 104,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F21
Food Tomatoes Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A N/A <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 50,300 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F22
Food Tomatoes Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 258 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F22
Food Tomatoes Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A 49.4 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 123,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-F22
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A 23.2 Bq/kg dry weight 37.7 Bq/kg dry weight 2.1 Bq/kg dry weight 15.3 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL04-S08
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A <1.4 Bq/kg dry weight < 1.4 Bq/kg dry weight <1.0 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PL04-S08
Vegetation Mixed Grass Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A 5.8 Bq/kg fresh weight 6.8 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-V03
Vegetation Mixed Grass Cesium-137 N/A <5.8 Bq/kg fresh weight <6.7 Bq/kg fresh weight <4.6 Bq/Kg fresh weight <6.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-V03
Vegetation Mixed Grass Tritiated Water N/A N/A 17.9 Bq/kg fresh weight 13.1 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-V03
Vegetation Mixed Grass Cobalt-60 N/A <6.4 Bq/kg fresh weight <7.2 Bq/kg fresh weight <5.1 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL04-V03
Vegetation Lichen Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A 13.3 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A No PL04-V04
Vegetation Lichen Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <6.7 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A No PL04-V04
Vegetation Lichen Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A 35.3 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A No PL04-V04
Vegetation Lichen Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <6.8 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A No PL04-V04
Water Well Water Gross Beta <0.16 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1 Bq/L No PL04-W02
Water Well Water Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 10 Bq/L No PL04-W02
Water Well Water Tritiated Water 8.5 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7,000 Bq/L No PL04-W02
Air Ambient Iodine-131 <0.003 Bq/m3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.228 Bq/m³ No PL05-A02
Water Well Water Gross Beta <0.16 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1 Bq/L No PL05-W03
Water Well Water Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 10 Bq/L No PL05-W03
Water Well Water Tritiated Water 32 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7,000 Bq/L No PL05-W03
Air Ambient Cesium-137 N/A <0.000063 Bq/m3 < 0.000058 Bq/m3 < 0.00005 Bq/m3 N/A N/A 2.56 Bq/m³ No PL06-A06
Air Ambient Cobalt-60 N/A <0.000072 Bq/m3 < 0.000066 Bq/m3 < 0.000063 Bq/m3 N/A N/A 0.832 Bq/m³ No PL06-A06
Air Ambient Iodine-131 N/A N/A < 0.0011 Bq/m3 N/A N/A N/A 0.228 Bq/m³ No PL06-A06
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritiated Water N/A N/A 4.0 Bq/m3 <2.0 Bq/m3 N/A N/A 340 Bq/m³ No PL06-A06
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritiated hydrogen N/A N/A < 2.1 Bq/m3 <2.0 Bq/m3 N/A N/A 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No PL06-A06
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.000055 Bq/m³ 2.56 Bq/m³ No PL06-A06-P
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/m³ 340 Bq/m³ No PL06-A06-T
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritiated hydrogen N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/m³ 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No PL06-A06-T
Food Shellfish (periwinkle) Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.6 Bq/kg fresh weight 1,040,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL06-F26
Food Shellfish (periwinkle) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.8 Bq/kg fresh weight 3,700 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL06-F26
Food Shellfish (periwinkle) Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9.3 Bq/kg fresh weight 2,400,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL06-F26
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A 10.6 Bq/kg dry weight 9.6 Bq/kg dry weight 6.3 Bq/kg dry weight 9.2 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL06-S07
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A <1.4 Bq/kg dry weight < 1.4 Bq/kg dry weight <1.0 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PL06-S07
Sand 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A <0.66 Bq/kg dry weight < 0.68 Bq/kg dry weight <0.7 Bq/Kg dry weight <0.6 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL06-SA02
Sand 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A <0.74 Bq/kg dry weight < 0.74 Bq/kg dry weight <0.7 Bq/Kg dry weight N/A N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PL06-SA02
Vegetation Mixed Grass Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A 24.7 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 73,000 Bq/Kg fresh weight No PL06-V02
Vegetation Mixed Grass Cesium-137 N/A <5.8 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <5.5 Bq/Kg fresh weight <6.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL06-V02
Vegetation Mixed Grass Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A 17.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL06-V02
Vegetation Mixed Grass Cobalt-60 N/A <6.4 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <5.7 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL06-V02
Vegetation Lichen Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A 65.1 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A No PL06-V04
Vegetation Lichen Cesium-137 N/A N/A <6.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A No PL06-V04
Vegetation Lichen Tritiated Water N/A N/A 24.6 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A No PL06-V04
Vegetation Lichen Cobalt-60 N/A N/A <7.2 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A No PL06-V04
Vegetation Lichen Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A 67.5 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A No PL06-V05
Vegetation Lichen Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <6.7 Bq/Kg fresh weight <6.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A No PL06-V05
Vegetation Lichen Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A 4.7 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A No PL06-V05
Vegetation Lichen Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <6.6 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A No PL06-V05
Water Ocean (surface) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.25 Bq/L N/A 10 Bq/L No PL06-W04
Water Ocean (surface) Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/L N/A 7,000 Bq/L No PL06-W04
Water Surface Water Gross Alpha N/A N/A < 0.07 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A 0.5 Bq/L No PL06-W04
Water Surface Water Gross Beta N/A N/A < 0.09 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A 1 Bq/L No PL06-W04
Water Surface Water Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L <0.23 Bq/L < 0.25 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L N/A N/A 10 Bq/L No PL06-W04
Water Surface Water Tritiated Water 15 Bq/L 3.5 Bq/L 95.3 Bq/L <3.0 Bq/L N/A N/A 7,000 Bq/L No PL06-W04
Water Surface Water Cobalt-60 N/A <0.28 Bq/L < 0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L N/A N/A 12.1 Bq/L No PL06-W04
Water Surface Water Iron-59 N/A N/A < 0.83 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A 40 Bq/L No PL06-W04
Water Stream / Ground Water Gross Alpha N/A <0.05 Bq/L N/A <0.05 Bq/L N/A N/A 0.5 Bq/L No PL06-W08
Water Stream / Ground Water Gross Beta N/A <0.05 Bq/L N/A <0.10 Bq/L N/A N/A 1 Bq/L No PL06-W08
Water Stream / Ground Water Cesium-137 N/A <0.23 Bq/L N/A <0.25 Bq/L N/A N/A 10 Bq/L No PL06-W08
Water Stream / Ground Water Tritiated Water N/A 46.0 Bq/L N/A 100.7 Bq/L N/A N/A 7,000 Bq/L No PL06-W08
Water Stream / Ground Water Cobalt-60 N/A <0.28 Bq/L N/A <0.28 Bq/L N/A N/A 12.1 Bq/L No PL06-W08
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 42.40 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL07-S01
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.81 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PL07-S01
Vegetation Cedar Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <2.3 Bq/kg fresh weight 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL07-V34
Water Surface Water Gross Beta <0.16 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 1 Bq/L No PL08-W05
Water Surface Water Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 10 Bq/L No PL08-W05
Water Surface Water Tritiated Water 385 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 7,000 Bq/L No PL08-W05
Air Ambient Cesium-137 <0.0004 Bq/m3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 2.56 Bq/m³ No PL09-A03
Air Ambient Iodine-131 <0.003 Bq/m3 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.228 Bq/m³ No PL09-A03
Vegetation Sphagnum moss Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <1.4 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A No PL09-V33
Vegetation Labrador tea Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 4.2 Bq/kg fresh weight 7,020 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL09-V35
Vegetation Sweet grass Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <1.2 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A No PL09-V36
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 2.44 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL10-S02
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.81 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PL10-S02
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 <0.65 Bq/kg dry weight 39.2 Bq/kg dry weight 5.1 Bq/kg dry weight 11.5 Bq/kg dry weight 20.8 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL11-S03
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.81 Bq/kg dry weight <1.4 Bq/kg dry weight < 1.4 Bq/kg dry weight <1.0 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PL11-S03
Vegetation Lichen Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A 13.5 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A No PL11-V06
Vegetation Lichen Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <3.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight <6.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A No PL11-V06
Vegetation Lichen Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A <3.0 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A No PL11-V06
Vegetation Lichen Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <5.4 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A No PL11-V06
Vegetation Mixed Grass Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A 2.9 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL11-V07
Vegetation Mixed Grass Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <2.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight <6.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL11-V07
Vegetation Mixed Grass Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A <3.0 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL11-V07
Vegetation Mixed Grass Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <2.3 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL11-V07
Water Well Water Gross Alpha N/A <0.05 Bq/L < 0.07 Bq/L 0.08 Bq/L N/A N/A 0.5 Bq/L No PL11-W06
Water Well Water Gross Beta <0.16 Bq/L 0.11 Bq/L < 0.09 Bq/L <0.10 Bq/L N/A N/A 1 Bq/L No PL11-W06
Water Well Water Cesium-137 <0.24 Bq/L <0.23 Bq/L < 0.25 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L N/A N/A 10 Bq/L No PL11-W06
Water Well Water Tritiated Water 14 Bq/L 17.9 Bq/L 30.6 Bq/L 20.4 Bq/L N/A N/A 7,000 Bq/L No PL11-W06
Water Well Water Cobalt-60 N/A <0.28 Bq/L < 0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L N/A N/A 12.1 Bq/L No PL11-W06
Water Well Water Iron-59 N/A N/A < 0.83 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A 40 Bq/L No PL11-W06
Food Fish - Salmon Organically Bound Tritium <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight 15.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <1.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 212,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F05
Food Fish - Salmon Cesium-137 N/A <0.89 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <0.68 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 1,040 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F05
Food Fish - Salmon Tritiated Water <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight 17.0 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <3.0 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 488,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F05
Food Fish - Salmon Cobalt-60 N/A <0.99 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <0.77 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 1,350 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F05
Food Shellfish (clams) Organically Bound Tritium N/A <1.5 Bq/kg fresh weight 0.6 Bq/kg fresh weight <1.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 1,040,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F08
Food Shellfish (clams) Cesium-137 N/A <1.6 Bq/kg fresh weight < 0.87 Bq/kg fresh weight <0.77 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 3,700 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F08
Food Shellfish (clams) Tritiated Water N/A 17.0 Bq/kg fresh weight < 2.4 Bq/kg fresh weight <3.0 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 2,400,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F08
Food Shellfish (clams) Cobalt-60 N/A <1.7 Bq/kg fresh weight < 0.89 Bq/kg fresh weight <0.87 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 11,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F08
Food Fish - Trout Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A <1.2 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 212,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F19
Food Fish - Trout Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <0.78 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 1,040 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F19
Food Fish - Trout Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A <3.0 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 488,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F19
Food Fish - Trout Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A <0.94 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 1,350 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F19
Food Dulse Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/kg fresh weight 45,200 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F22
Food Dulse Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <5.8 Bq/kg fresh weight 160 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F22
Food Dulse Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <2.5 Bq/kg fresh weight 104,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL12-F22
Soil 0-4 cm Cesium-137 8.60 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL12-S04
Soil 0-4 cm Cobalt-60 <0.81 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PL12-S04
Sand 0-5 cm Cesium-137 1.12 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL15-S05
Sand 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 <0.81 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PL15-S05
Air Ambient Cesium-137 N/A <0.000063 Bq/m3 < 0.000058 Bq/m3 < 0.00005 Bq/m3 N/A N/A 2.56 Bq/m³ No PL16-A05
Air Ambient Cobalt-60 N/A <0.000072 Bq/m3 < 0.000066 Bq/m3 < 0.000063 Bq/m3 N/A N/A 0.832 Bq/m³ No PL16-A05
Air Ambient Iodine-131 N/A N/A < 0.0011 Bq/m3 N/A N/A N/A 0.228 Bq/m³ No PL16-A05
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritiated Water N/A N/A < 2.1 Bq/m3 <2.0 Bq/m3 N/A N/A 340 Bq/m³ No PL16-A05
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritiated hydrogen N/A N/A < 2.1 Bq/m3 <2.0 Bq/m3 N/A N/A 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No PL16-A05
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.000055 Bq/m³ 2.56 Bq/m³ No PL16-A05-P
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/m³ 340 Bq/m³ No PL16-A05-T
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritiated hydrogen N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/m³ 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No PL16-A05-T
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A 13.6 Bq/kg dry weight 15.8 Bq/kg dry weight 5.0 Bq/kg dry weight 11.3 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL16-S06
Soil 0-5 cm Cobalt-60 N/A <1.4 Bq/kg dry weight < 1.4 Bq/kg dry weight <1.0 Bq/kg dry weight N/A N/A 14.1 Bq/kg dry weight No PL16-S06
Vegetation Lichen Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A <2.7 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A No PL16-V01
Vegetation Mixed Grass Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A 3.7 Bq/kg fresh weight 3.9 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 73,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL16-V01
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A <5.8 Bq/kg fresh weight <6.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A <6.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL16-V01
Vegetation Mixed Grass Tritiated Water N/A N/A 5.1 Bq/kg fresh weight <3.0 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 10,900 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL16-V01
Vegetation Mixed Grass Cobalt-60 N/A <6.4 Bq/kg fresh weight <7.2 Bq/kg fresh weight <5.4 Bq/Kg fresh weight N/A N/A 605 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL16-V01
Vegetation Lichen Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A 9.0 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A No PL16-V01B
Vegetation Lichen Cesium-137 N/A N/A <6.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A No PL16-V01B
Vegetation Lichen Tritiated Water N/A N/A <2.0 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A No PL16-V01B
Vegetation Lichen Cobalt-60 N/A N/A <7.2 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A N/A N/A No PL16-V01B
Water Well Water Gross Alpha N/A <0.05 Bq/L < 0.07 Bq/L <0.05 Bq/L N/A N/A 0.5 Bq/L No PL16-W07
Water Well Water Gross Beta N/A 0.08 Bq/L 0.11 Bq/L 0.17 Bq/L N/A N/A 1 Bq/L No PL16-W07
Water Well Water Cesium-137 N/A <0.23 Bq/L < 0.25 Bq/L <0.25 Bq/L N/A N/A 10 Bq/L No PL16-W07
Water Well Water Tritiated Water N/A 9.9 Bq/L 11.9 Bq/L 12.1 Bq/L N/A N/A 7,000 Bq/L No PL16-W07
Water Well Water Cobalt-60 N/A <0.28 Bq/L < 0.28 Bq/L <0.28 Bq/L N/A N/A 12.1 Bq/L No PL16-W07
Water Well Water Iron-59 N/A N/A < 0.83 Bq/L N/A N/A N/A 40 Bq/L No PL16-W07
Air Ambient Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A < 0.00005 Bq/m3 N/A N/A 2.56 Bq/m³ No PL17-A07
Air Ambient Cobalt-60 N/A N/A N/A < 0.000063 Bq/m3 N/A N/A 0.832 Bq/m³ No PL17-A07
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A <2.0 Bq/m3 N/A N/A 340 Bq/m³ No PL17-A07
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritiated hydrogen N/A N/A N/A <2.0 Bq/m3 N/A N/A 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No PL17-A07
Air Ambient (Particulate) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.000055 Bq/m³ 2.56 Bq/m³ No PL17-A07-P
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/m³ 340 Bq/m³ No PL17-A07-T
Air Ambient (Tritium) Tritiated hydrogen N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/m³ 5,100,000 Bq/m³ No PL17-A07-T
Water Ocean (surface) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.25 Bq/L N/A 10 Bq/L No PL17-W17
Water Ocean (surface) Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/L N/A 7,000 Bq/L No PL17-W17
Soil 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A 8.8 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL20-S20
Vegetation Mixed grass Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A <6.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL20-V20
Vegetation Lichen Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A <6.9 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A N/A No PL20-V21
Sand 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.6 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL21-SA21
Water Ocean (surface) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.25 Bq/L N/A 10 Bq/L No PL21-W21
Water Ocean (surface) Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/L N/A 7,000 Bq/L No PL21-W21
Sand 0-5 cm Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A 0.7 Bq/kg dry weight N/A 58.6 Bq/kg dry weight No PL22-SA22
Water Ocean (surface) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.25 Bq/L N/A 10 Bq/L No PL22-W22
Water Ocean (surface) Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/L N/A 7,000 Bq/L No PL22-W22
Food Shellfish (clams) Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <2 Bq/kg fresh weight 1,040,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL24-F24
Food Shellfish (clams) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.7 Bq/kg fresh weight 3,700 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL24-F24
Food Shellfish (clams) Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <2.5 Bq/kg fresh weight 2,400,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL24-F24
Vegetation Sweet grass Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <1.6 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A No PL26-V26
Vegetation Cedar Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <1.3 Bq/kg fresh weight 52.2 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL28-V30
Vegetation Labrador tea Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 34.2 Bq/kg fresh weight 7,020 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL28-V31
Vegetation Sphagnum moss Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 9.7 Bq/kg fresh weight N/A No PL28-V37
Food Shellfish (lobster) Organically Bound Tritium N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 14 Bq/kg fresh weight 1,040,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL30-F30
Food Shellfish (lobster) Cesium-137 N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A <0.8 Bq/kg fresh weight 3,700 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL30-F30
Food Shellfish (lobster) Tritiated Water N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 8.1 Bq/kg fresh weight 2,400,000 Bq/kg fresh weight No PL30-F30

1 The < symbol indicates that a result is below the provided laboratory analytical detection limit.

2 N/A – not available.

3 For radiological parameters (expressed as Bq/L, Bq/kg or Bq/m3) where no federal or provincial guidelines exist, our screening levels were established based on conservative assumptions using CSA standard N288.1-14, Guidelines for Calculating Derived Release Limits for Radioactive Material in Airborne and Liquid Effluents for Normal Operation of Nuclear Facilities. The screening level for a particular radionuclide in a particular medium (e.g., water, air, food) represents the activity concentration that would result in a dose of 0.1 mSv/year (millisieverts per year), a dose at which no impacts on human health are expected. For more information, please refer to the IEMP technical information sheet.

4 Tritiated water (HTO) is a radioactive form of water where the usual hydrogen atoms in water (H2O) are replaced with tritium. Elemental tritium (HT) refers to the radioactive form of hydrogen gas. Organically bound tritium (OBT) is tritium that is bound to an organic molecule, such as a carbohydrate, fat, or protein.

CNSC staff and a WNNB representative taking vegetation samples near the Point Lepreau site, 2021.

CNSC staff and a WNNB representative taking vegetation samples near the Point Lepreau site, 2021.

CNSC staff and a MTI representative taking clam samples near the Point Lepreau site, 2021.

CNSC staff and a MTI representative taking clam samples near the Point Lepreau site, 2021.

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

CNSC staff taking vegetation samples near the Point Lepreau site, 2017.

CNSC staff taking sediment samples near the Point Lepreau site, 2017.

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

Focus on health

We review the results of existing scientific evidence and conduct health studies to provide further independent verification that the health of people living near the Point Lepreau nuclear generating site is protected.

A recent and comprehensive CNSC study on the health of people living near nuclear power plants found that all cancers for all age groups, in individuals living near these facilities, were similar to the reference population. In particular, there was no evidence of increases of childhood leukemia. These findings are consistent with research studies conducted around nuclear power plants in other countries (i.e. the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland and Finland). The body of evidence demonstrates that people who live near nuclear power plants, such as the Point Lepreau nuclear generating site, are as healthy as the rest of the general Canadian population.

Based on exposure and health data, we have not observed and do not expect any adverse health outcomes due to the presence of the Point Lepreau nuclear generating site. Access our library of health studies and third-party research.

More general health information and data for the communities near the Point Lepreau nuclear generating site can be found on the following websites:

Horizon Health Network
Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health
NBHC | New Brunswick Health Council

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.

Footnotes

Footnote 1

The reference samples are taken in a location where there is likely no potential for exposure from the operations of the nuclear facility. The reference location is chosen based on distance from the operation, on meteorological data such as predominant wind direction or precipitation (for atmospheric releases) and water current (for effluent discharges). This allows us to collect local data that is representative of the region around the facility. This data is then compared with sampling results. This is especially important when background data, guidelines or screening levels do not exist for a certain contaminant or medium in a certain region.

Return to footnote 1 referrer

Date modified: