You are the Technical Advisor to the Minister of Energy for the Province of Ontario. There has been a major reactor accident at the Pickering Nuclear Power Plant. The report from the licensee is that all safety systems operated as designed. There has been no radioactivity release to the public to this point. The licensee projects that the time until pressure inside containment exceeds atmospheric pressure is estimated to be 78 hours. The plant requests provincial direction regarding venting of containment.

The Minister (new to her role) states her intention to direct the licensee to hold and vent at 77 hours into the event. She requests your advice. What advice would you provide and why?