Overview of the Historical and Regulatory Basis for Exclusion Zone Sizing in Canada

Abstract

An exclusion zone is an area surrounding a nuclear facility which is under the control of the licensee and is generally intended to reduce individual and societal risk from nuclear power plants. Historically, exclusion zone sizing was conservatively set at 1000 yards (914 m) radially from the reactor building, reflecting dose limits and uncertainties. In Canada, recent practice in establishing the size of exclusion zones incorporates security and robustness design considerations, environmental factors, evacuation needs, land use and dose acceptance criteria. Use of this approach allows applicants to propose exclusion zone sizes different from that of existing facilities.