Pickering Safe Storage - Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

As the Pickering Nuclear Station end of life approaches, planning continues for the Pickering Safe Storage Project (SAFSTOR). The project team will plan and execute the transition of the station from its current operating state, to its SAFSTOR state, in which the facility will remain until dismantling and demolition activities commence after a 30 year lay-up period.The goal of the project will be to minimize hazards on site by defuelling the reactors of spent fuel, dewatering systems containing tritiated heavy water, and removing from service systems no longer required to support the operation of the station. Although the station will no longer generate power for the safe storage period, an operational footprint will be required to continue to support operational and regulatory requirements, such as the removal of fuel from the irradiated fuel bays, storage of heavy water, and ongoing monitoring and security requirements.The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into some of the challenges faced, as well as opportunities being explored for a larger multi-unit nuclear power plant as it prepares for permanent shutdown and eventual decommissioning.This paper will specifically explore challenges which arise in finding the most effective, efficient and environmentally responsible solutions for the ongoing management of groundwater, surface water, service water and liquid waste streams which will continue to be generated by the facility in SAFSTOR.