28 January 2011TIMES COLONIST (NANAIMO) — A shipment of partially spilled uranium concentrate docked offshore from Ladysmith, Canada for a few days raises questions about what kinds of hazardous materials are shipped through B.C. waters, an environmental organization says. The Liberian-registered cargo ship Altona carried 350 tons of uranium from Saskatoon-based Cameco Corp. when heavy seas forced it to return to Canada after several of its containers shifted. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission considers the uranium concentrate, also known as yellowcake, as “mildly radioactive” and said it poses no threat to the ship’s crew, the public or the environment. Source: http://tinyurl.com/5vlgbxs (Reliability: 40.1 -- Moderate)
Image source: http://www.calgaryherald.com/technology/Cameco+uranium+spill/4134597/story.html
Analysis:
It is likely that over the course of the next six months, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission will re-evaluate their regulations to ensure proper safety of nuclear material transportation. If they do not, then it is likely groups will continue to raise concern over their abilities to properly transport nuclear material. (Analytic Confidence: High)
Mistras Canada Inc., based in Olds, Alta., and which also operates as Nomad Inspection Services Ltd., faces six charges under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act for the improper handling, storage and transportation of a nuclear substance. The case is scheduled for next month in Calgary. Source: http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Charges+laid+Calgary+unsafe+transportation+radioactive+device/4214219/story.html
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