LETTER

Heavy rain releases radioactives into water supply

 

I received this news yesterday from Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regarding Port Hope and Port Granby (radioactive storage facilities). It adds evidence there is no “proven and safe” radioactive waste mound. The ones in Port Hope and Port Granby are run by CNL and are very similar in design to what they plan for Chalk River. There are differences in that these include low-level radioactive waste and are long-term “storage” vs. “disposal”. Chalk River will hold both low-level and intermediate-level radioactive waste and will be for disposal. They have heavy rain, and guess what? Imagine what it would have been like at Chalk River if the -- disposal mound -- had been in operation during April and May this year. Imagine downstream, the water supply of so many towns -- plus Aylmer, Gatineau and Ottawa. Not proven and not safe!

Rain triggers overflows of untreated water at Port Hope and Port Granby

The CNSC was informed by the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) Management Office that after a heavy downpour in the Cobourg and Port Hope areas on June 22 and 23, there were overflows of untreated water from the water collection pond at the Port Hope Project Long-Term Waste Management Facility and from the catch basin at the Port Granby Waste Management Facility. These overflows resulted in environmental releases into Lake Ontario.

Water testing is currently underway. Preliminary results from the licensee’s testing confirm that there is no risk to the public or workers. CNSC inspectors will be onsite to collect samples and oversee licensee follow-up actions.

Johanna Echlin, Old Fort William Cottagers Association
Chapeau