Shield Source Inc.

Tritium light source processing facility

Shield Source Inc. operated a gaseous tritium light source processing facility from 1986 to 2013. The facility was permanently shutdown in March 2014. The facility received tritium gas in sealed containers from a CNSC-licensed facility and then inserted the gas into glass tubes to create luminescent exit and aircraft signs.

For more information about tritium and how the CNSC regulates it, please consult:

• Frequently Asked Questions about Tritium
• Standards and Guidelines for Tritium in Drinking Water

Latest updates

2015

• In March, 2015 the CNSC published a report on the abandonment and clean-up of SSI, titled: Report on the Clean-up and Abandonment of Shield Source Inc. (PDF)

2014

• March 28, 2014: The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) announced its decision to issue a Licence to Abandon to Shield Source Inc. (SSI) for its gaseous tritium light source processing facility located in Peterborough, Ontario. As of April 1, 2014, SSI is no longer subject to the CNSC’s regulatory requirements.

  In March 2013, SSI announced it would close its facility. Clean-up and decontamination work was carried out by qualified staff under the regulatory oversight of CNSC inspectors. CNSC independent sampling of air, soil and water concluded that the building is clear and there is no health risk to the community or the environment. The site can now be used for other industrial purposes.

  • News release: CNSC Approves the Clean-up of Shield Source Inc. Facility and Issues a Licence to Abandon the Site
  • Hearing documents: Record of Proceedings regarding the application for the revocation of Shield Source Incorporated Operating Licence (PDF)
  • Public meeting webcast: Update on the clean-up and closure of Shield Source Inc.

• January 9, 2014: Following a hearing, the CNSC announces its decision to extend the Shield Source Inc. (SSI) operating licence. The licence is valid until March 31, 2014.

  In March 2013, SSI notified the CNSC of its intention to cease operations in 2013, and to apply for the Commission's approval to release the facility of regulatory control once it has been cleaned up to its intended future use.

  The three-month extension will allow SSI time to complete the clean-up and decontamination activities, and to provide their final report to CNSC staff.

  There have been no changes in the licence conditions, except for the expiry date.

  • Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision (PDF)

2013

• December 5, 2013: Shield Source Incorporated provides update on clean-up activities (Source: SSI)
• October 22, 2013: Notice of Participation at a Commission Meeting on the CNSC Staff Report on the Performance of Canadian Uranium Fuel Cycle and Processing Facilities: 2012 (PDF)

• October 18, 2013: The CNSC has approved a plan submitted by Shield Source Incorporated (SSI) to clean-up and decontaminate the area where tritium was processed in the facility.

  Summary of the Plan for the Clean-up and Decontamination of the Tritium Fill Room at Shield Source Incorporated (source: SSI)

  Once this work is complete SSI will submit a final report describing the end-state of the facility. The report is to include clean-up activities taken, summary of any tritium releases into the environment and radiation monitoring results for workers.

  CNSC staff expect to receive an application from SSI to release the facility from our regulatory oversight, noting that SSI intends to return the building to the landlord for future industrial use. This licence application will be informed by monitoring results in SSI's final report.

  The CNSC will continue its enhanced regulatory oversight of the facility until it is returned to unconditional industrial use.

• March 4, 2013: Shield Source Incorporated (SSI) announced that they will not be renewing its nuclear processing licence and plan to apply for the necessary licensing to decommission the facility. The CNSC will provide regulatory guidance to the licensee throughout this process and continue its increased oversight at SSI to ensure the public and environment are protected.

  Shield Source Incorporated elects not to renew Nuclear Processing Licence (source: SSI)

2012

• December 27, 2012: Following a hearing in Ottawa, Ontario, the CNSC renewed Shield Source Inc.'s (SSI) operating licence for a 12 month period. Under SSI's renewed licence they are still prohibited from processing tritium gas for the purpose of producing gaseous tritium light sources. This short-term licence extension is to allow SSI to complete programs and processes before they apply for a licence renewal to resume full operations. The Commission would consider a future application during a public hearing once SSI has completed its investigation to the satisfaction of CNSC staff.
  • Record of Proceedings, Including Reasons for Decision (PDF)
  • Notice of Hearing (PDF)
• August 24, 2012: Shield Sources Inc. submits a root cause analysis report (in English only) (Source: SSI) as requested by the CNSC in its letter of April 18, 2012 to SSI. The report is an investigation of the technical and organizational factors behind the discrepancy in tritium gas (HT) emission data that led to SSI's voluntarily suspension of its tritium operations on March 28, 2012. The CNSC staff is currently reviewing the report.
• April 18, 2012: The CNSC sent a letter to Shield Source Incorporated regarding requirements for approval of re-start of operations, as part of its follow- up to the voluntary shutdown of SSI operations due to stack emission data discrepancy.(PDF)
• April 12, 2012: Shield Source Inc. publishes its preliminary report regarding the voluntary suspension of its operations (Source: SSI)

2011

• January 18, 2011: January 19 and 20, 2011 Public Meeting Agenda - Mid-term status report on Shield Source Incorporated's Nuclear Substance Processing Facility (Agenda item #5.2)

2009

• July 17, 2009: CNSC Announces its Decision to Renew Shield Source Inc.'s Nuclear Substance Processing Facility Operating Licence for its Peterborough Facility