August 02, 2010
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Full assessment needed on nuclear waste transport
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 30, 2010
FULL ASSESSMENT NEEDED ON NUCLEAR WASTE TRANSPORT
Properly consultation needed on shipment of radioactive generators
TERRACE –New Democrat Natural Resources and Energy Critic Nathan Cullen (Skeena—Bulkley Valley) today called on the Minister of Natural Resources to ensure that Bruce Power’s proposal to ship used radioactive equipment through the great lakes receives an environmental assessment with full public consultation.
“Canadians are being denied a voice on a proposal that exposes millions of people along the country’s busiest waterway to radioactive risks,” said Cullen. “The government needs to stop trying to hide this shipment and ensure that the public have their opportunity to raise their concerns.”
At issue are used steam generators from the Bruce nuclear power plant. Approval was originally granted to store these now radioactive pieces of equipment securely on-site. Now a plan is in place to ship the hazardous materials for partial recycling to Sweden via the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway.
In spite of significant public concerns, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission originally deemed that a single staff person was sufficient to review and issue a license. After protests from residents and elected officials, the CNSC will now touch on the issue at a previously scheduled public hearing taking place in Ottawa – limiting aceess for affected individuals who live along the shipping route.
“Shipping radioactive waste past our largest cities deserves more consideration than being tacked on to the end of a meeting,” said Cullen. “The Minister must step in to ensure an environmental assessment is conducted and public hearings are held to ensure nuclear operators are not putting Canadians at risk.”
Bruce Power’s refurbishment has already been plagued with problems. Under the CNSC’s watch the company exposed more than 200 workers to cancer-causing alpha radiation last year.
“Their safety record raises serious questions and it would be totally irresponsible for this government to let them ship radioactive waste through our waters without thorough public review”
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For more information, please contact:
Jesse Brady, Press Secretary, 613-720-6400
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