CNSC publishes requirements and guidance on public information and disclosure programs

May 7, 2018 - Ottawa, ON

Following a period of public consultation from August 16 to September 28, 2017, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) has published REGDOC-3.2.1, Public Information and Disclosure, formerly RD/GD-99.3, Public Information and Disclosure.

The publication of RD/GD 99.3 as REGDOC-3.2.1 updates the nomenclature and numbering system as part of the project to migrate existing CNSC documents into the new regulatory framework.
 
REGDOC-3.2.1 sets out requirements and guidance for public information and disclosure for licensees and applicants of Class I and Class II nuclear facilities, and uranium mines and mills, for all lifecycle phases. 

The regulatory document has the following key modifications:

       • In section 2.2.4-Public information strategy and products, the CNSC has added text requiring licensees to post summaries of their probabilistic safety assessments (PSAs) and the complete text of their environmental risk assessments (ERAs) on their website. The posting of these summaries will be part of their public information and disclosure programs (if the assessments are a licence requirement).

     • In section 1.2-Scope, the first sentence now mentions the fact that some hospitals are now required to have a public information and disclosure program, due to the nature of their activities.

The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.