ARPANSA - Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency

Date: 12 June 2007

Public Submissions Invited on ANSTO Facility Licence Application to Possess and Control High Flux Australian Reactor

The CEO of ARPANSA, Dr John Loy, has invited public submissions on the application by the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) for a facility licence authorising it to possess or control the High Flux Australian Reactor (HIFAR) at Lucas Heights in Sydney. The period for making a written public submission will close on 3 August 2007.

HIFAR is a 10 MW research reactor that commenced operation in 1958 and is currently authorised to operate under a facility licence issued by the CEO of ARPANSA on 14 June 2001. The reactor was officially shutdown on 30 January 2007.

ANSTO's facility licence application to possess or control HIFAR is the first step in the regulatory process leading to the eventual decommissioning of the reactor.

In commencing the agency's assessment of the application, Dr Loy said 'I invite members of the public to visit our website and read through the application. I would also encourage member of the public to consider making a written submission which I will take into account when I decide the application.'

Dr Loy also indicated that 'Consistent with a transparent and accountable regulatory body, we will place as much information about our assessment in the public domain as reasonably possible.' This will include advice from the nuclear safety experts of the Nuclear Safety Committee and responses by ANSTO to questions asked by ARPANSA regarding the application.

As part of its public consultation process, ARPANSA will also hold a community meeting in the Sutherland Shire following the close of written public submissions. The time, date and arrangements for the meeting will be published on ARPANSA's website and in notices placed in local newspapers. As with the written submissions, the outcomes of the community meeting will form part of the information that the CEO will take into account when he decides the application.

Further details on how to make a submission are available on ARPANSA's website (http://www.arpansa.gov.au/hifar/index.cfm). The licence application and guidance for making a submission are also available on compact disc by contacting ARPANSA on 1800 022 333. Notices inviting members of the public to make a submission are being placed in local and national newspapers in accordance with the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Regulations 1999.

ENDS.

 

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