LETTER

Reply to officials’ self-excusing on Ottawa River toxin releases

 

CNSC and CNL can go on claiming that their release limits are all regulated, controlled and transparent and that the releases are very low, etc. … however, neither CNL nor CNSC is listening to our voices telling them that we, the public, who depend on the Ottawa River for our drinking water, do not accept even low levels of  radioactive tritium and other harmful radioactive materials being released into the river and into the air.  These releases are not acceptable at any level.  First Nations have been repeatedly saying the same thing.  We are hearing from medical doctors that these substances are harmful to humans at any level - even low levels.  Watch the Découverte documentary aired on March 25th  (CBC Radio Canada - it can be found on YouTube).  

In the Découverte film, Dr. Boiley, a nuclear physicist, says some very concerning things about tritium that we all need to be aware of. CNSC and CNL are always insisting that the releases of tritium into the river are very low. However, Dr Boiley says that low levels are beside the point — the point is that if people are drinking this water day after day, year after year, tritium does accumulate in the body and will increase the risk of a number of diseases. Also, imagine what the fish in the river are taking in, and how that might affect us if we are eating those fish.  

Sorry, Michael Rinker and George Dolinar, but I do not accept your explanations and do not believe that what CNSC is allowing is in any way protective of the environment or the public.

Johanna Echlin
Old Fort William Cottagers’ Association
Sheenboro (Pontiac)