Safe long-term storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel in Northwestern Ontario

I am disturbed by those who have been scare mongering, providing mis-information and out of context, non- supported data in order to disrupt the process of evaluating the transportation and the safe long-term storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel in Northwestern Ontario

I have the following concerns with efforts to derail NWMO’s deep underground repository project.

• Activists have continually broadcast concerns about risk of radioactive release and the imagined pollution of watersheds without acknowledging the science and considerable mitigations being proposed by the NWMO backed by technology, regulation and common sense.
• Spent nuclear fuel will indeed have to be transported from its present short-term storage sites.  Given the robust science and technology governing the repository itself, many have begun to thrown more mud at the wall hoping a transportation scare will stick.  There is steady fear mongering about leaking material and highway accidents.  The material is a solid therefore can’t “leak”.  And it will be transported in robust, proven containers under compliance with federal regulations under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act which entails some of the most vigorous regulations in the transportation industry.  Transportation, as important as it is, will be governed by a totally different process.
• As activists are prone to do, they are misrepresenting Ignace and WLON’s role in declaring informed willingness.  Ignace and WLON are not proxy decision makers for anyone else. We were not bought off nor did we make an irrational decision because we are in a “vulnerable depressed community”. We have simply declared a decision of willingness to be informed host communities.  Consultation will be completed in a vigorous licencing and approval process as mandated by law, which must be completed before approval of the project.   
• Playing on words, many are muddying the waters using the word “concept” and “unproven” knowing well that no plan can move beyond concept until a location is approved and licenced.  Subjective terms like “keep it where is made” and “protect our water sheds” are smoke and mirror deceptions. The repeated chorus of this project having never been undertaken before is a red herring meant to confuse and distract from the fact that Deep Underground Repositories have been determined by Canada and the world’s other nuclear power producing nations as a safe and long-term solution to isolate and store high-level nuclear waste.  Several countries are already years ahead of Canada in this process.
• The moving ahead with this project will benefit the economy of the whole of Northwestern Ontario with long-term well-paying jobs, increased population and the resulting increase in social services.   Small business will thrive in the area and Northwestern Ontario youth will have the option to remain in the region and have opportunity for good employment.  And yes, tourism will boom.  Opportunity will thrive for those who wish to embrace it. 

It is imperative to ensure others in the region and country including First Nations who rightfully are a part of the process be heard for a proper assessment to be undertaken addressing all legitimate concerns and risks, however, I trust objectivity and science will be the determining factors rather than subjective fear.