Proximity disposal, not radioactive Northern pollution

I live far away from the proposed location for a nuclear fuel waste Deep Geological Repository, DGR – about 3500 km, in North West River, Labrador, but the DGR proposal by NWMO causes me anxiety, which I why I am responding.

First of all, about the location: it seems that not enough is known, or planned for. From the proposed location near Ignace, ON, radioactive contamination can and will drain into Lake Winnipeg, and then to Hudson’s Bay! How dare you! We in the north value and defend our environment. Polluting the central North of Canada by nuclear power plant owners and beneficiaries of nuclear plants who do not live in the North? No, you must not allow this!

Alternatives must be presented. I suggest ‘proximity disposal’ of nuclear fuel waste – and perhaps that practice would deter subsequent nuclear projects from starting, as the community would not welcome the ‘always changing, forever high toxic radioactive waste.’  (And I would agree with relying on the wind and solar sources of power.)

This proposed project also leads me to talk ‘transportation’ which seemingly is not included in impacts to be assessed in this process, but should be. Whether the nuclear fuel waste product comes from Ontario, Manitoba or New Brunswick, by train or by road, the risk is large. Even as I write this, I learn of a recent road accident on highway #401 where spillage of radioactive contents did occur. I also know of the transport of the high level nuclear fuel waste from Gentilly-1 reactor QU to Chalk River ON done without proper notice, public engagement, or free, prior or informed consent of Indigenous communities for the transport and storage of this extremely hazardous waste on their land. This raises serious concerns about public safety, environmental risk, and lack of accountability. Does that not mean that transport of nuclear waste fuel, by road or rail, needs to be addressed in the process!

 I would say that the NWMD’s DGR in Northern Ontario with its extensive transportation requirements is an ill-conceived project threatening a huge area of Canada’s land mass and waters with radioactive forever pollution! Yes, it causes me anxiety, even 3500 km away!