NEWS

March 14th, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) issued its decision on the Environmental Assessment (EA) for Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Darlington Nuclear Generating Station Refurbishment and Continued Operation Project. This announcement follows the CNSC’s four-day public hearing in Clarington last December, where OPG, CNSC and members of the public presented written and verbal positions on the proposed project. This decision enables OPG to move ahead with a number of activities in support of Darlington refurbishment.

OPG completed extensive environmental studies on the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station (DNGS), resulting in an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Project. OPG submitted the EIS to the CNSC in December 2011.

"OPG is very pleased with the CNSC’s decision," said Wayne Robbins, OPG’s Chief Nuclear Officer. "We were confident in our conclusions that Darlington Refurbishment and continued operation of the station will not result in any significant, adverse environmental effects, given the mitigation measures identified."

A team of over fifteen technical experts undertook the EA studies. Throughout the EA process, OPG incorporated input from the community.

The Darlington Refurbishment Project involves the refurbishment of the four reactors at the DNGS to enable the continued operations for approximately 25 to 30 additional years. Refurbishment requires the replacement of a number of major components when the reactor is not operating. In addition, other components will be inspected, serviced and, if necessary, replaced. Following the refurbishment of each reactor, the units will be refueled, tested and returned to full power operation. Ongoing operation after refurbishment will include routine scheduled maintenance activities and inspections.

A refurbished Darlington station will provide 3,500 megawatts of clean, reliable, cost-effective electricity for the people of Ontario for an additional 25 to 30 years. It will be one of the largest capital infrastructure projects in Canada, creating significant benefits for 10 to15 years including employment, business and supplier opportunities and increased municipal revenue.

For more information, please contact:

Ontario Power Generation

Media Relations

416-592-4008 or 1-877-592-4008