ARPANSA - Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency

ANSTO's Facility Licence Application to Possess or Control HIFAR

Background

On 18 May 2007, Dr John Loy, CEO of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) received an application from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) for a facility licence under the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 authorising it to possess or control the High Flux Australian Reactor (HIFAR).

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 with the spent fuel and heavy water since being removed and stored on site. The final shutdown of the reactor was authorised under the existing licence authorising operation.

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. As part of the application, ANSTO proposes to measure and map the level of radioactivity in structures, systems and components of the reactor. In the longer term, it is anticipated that the organisation will apply for a further licence to decommission the reactor.

The CEO of ARPANSA intends to make a decision under section 32 of the Act in relation to the application by ANSTO.

Public Submissions

In accordance with regulation 40(3) of Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Regulations 1999, the CEO invites people and bodies to make submissions about the application.

See Guide on How to Make a Submission (PDF 32kb) for information on making submissions.

The licence application is available for download via the links below, or a CD with the licence application can be obtained by contacting ARPANSA on 1800 022 333.

Submissions about the application must be received by Friday 3 August 2007.

Submissions may be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to the following addresses:

Postal address:
CEO of ARPANSA
PO Box 655
MIRANDA NSW 1490

Fax address:
(02) 9541 8348

E-mail: hifarlicenceapplication@arpansa.gov.au

HIFAR Possess or Control Licence Application - Documents Provided by ANSTO

Covering Letter (PDF 61kb)

Application Form (PDF 38kb)

Cover and Summary (PDF 89kb)

Part A - General Information

General Information(PDF 182kb)

Part B - Plans

1 - Plan for Maintaining Effective Control (PDF 334kb)

2 - Safety Management Plan (PDF 139kb)

3 - Radiation Protection Plan (PDF 114kb)

4 - Radioactive Waste Management Plan (PDF 121kb)

6 - Emergency Plan (PDF 86kb)

7 - Environmental Management Plan (PDF 111kb)

8 - Other Plans and Arrangements (PDF 95kb)

Part C - Safety Analysis

Safety Analysis for the Possess or Control Period (PDF 1,271kb)

Part D - Limits and Conditions

Cover Document - Limits and Conditions for the HIFAR Facility (PDF 108kb)

Contents (PDF 42kb)

Introduction (PDF 47kb)

Definitions (PDF 36kb)

1 - Instrumentation (PDF 45kb)

2 - Irradiation Rigs and Experimental Equipment (PDF 46kb)

3 - Radioactive Discharges (PDF 44kb)

4 - Radiological Hazards (PDF 37kb)

5 - Hazardous Materials (PDF 38kb)

Part E - Activities

Activities to be Undertaken During the Possess or Control Period (PDF 113kb)

Documents Provided by ARPANSA to ANSTO

Letter, dated 28 May 2007, acknowledging acceptance of the application. (PDF 28kb)

Media Releases

12 June 2007 - Public Submissions Invited on ANSTO Facility Licence Application to Possess and Control High Flux Australian Reactor

22 May 2007 - ANSTO Application for a licence to possess or control the high flux Australian reactor

The image of the HIFAR reactor was provided by ANSTO.

Top of Page