Hydro-Quebec Nuclear Plant Gets 4-year License

The approval until Dec. 31, 2006, was given after public hearings held earlier this fall.

"The commission concluded that Hydro-Quebec is qualified to carry out the activities authorized under the license and, in doing so, will make adequate provision for the protection of the environment, the health and safety of persons," the commission said.

Hydro-Quebec is one of North America's largest electricity producers and distributors. The Gentilly-2 plant is located half way between Quebec City and Montreal and has been in operation since 1983. It is a 675 megawatt nuclear reactor fueled with natural uranium.