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The Nuclear Waste Management Organization is responding to a recent presentation to Dryden Council made by environmental group “Northwatch”.
The delegation outlined a number of concerns with the proposed underground nuclear repository including threats to the local watershed, transporting used nuclear fuel, a lack of scientific evidence and not enough consultation.
In a statement, the NWMO says they are committed to speaking with Canadians and Indigenous peoples to understand and respond to their concerns and provide them with relevant information, including discussing the risks involved with using nuclear fuel.
Two resources available to the public include: What is Used Nuclear Fuel? and Radiation Risk and Safety
In response to the watershed, the NWMO says protection is priority one and isolating spent fuel 500 metres below the surface will protect water from contamination, noting currently it’s being stored above ground.
You can find out more by visiting Environmental Responsibility Statement
When it comes to transporting nuclear waste through Ontario, officials say there is a strong international track record of safety, which includes more than 50 years of safe shipments worldwide with no serious injuries.
Officials add their focus is protecting people and the environment and stress they have a monitoring program in place.
The NWMO says further information can be found at:
Safety: Protecting People and the Environment
Why a Deep Geological Repository?
Demonstrating Safety
