Information Update - Discharge of water containing hydrazine at Bruce A

January 23, 2012

Bruce Power reported to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) a discharge of water containing low levels of hydrazine into Lake Huron. The unplanned release, which occurred on January 17 and 18, 2012, at the Bruce A Nuclear Generating Station, has been attributed to a leaking valve. The environmental impact is minimal and localized; there is no human health impact related to this event.

Hydrazine is a chemical used for corrosion control in piping systems. Given the hydrazine’s chemical composition, its toxicity diminishes very rapidly in contact with oxygen. Hydrazine is not a radioactive substance.

Both Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Environment were advised of the discharge.