Secrecy in plans for radioactive dump near Great Lakes

Used nuclear fuel is a touchy subject because it is so highly radioactive. It must be encased in heavy radiation-proof containers, and remains dangerous for hundreds of thousands of years.

The idea of entombing it close to the Great Lakes has drawn criticism from both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border.

“Canadians have been very clear that this generation must begin to take responsibility now, and not leave used fuel as a legacy for future generations to deal with,”

Nuclear waste meetings draw criticism in Bruce County, The Star, Meetings between Bruce County mayors and nuclear waste planners took place for years behind closed doors, local groups have learned. By: John Spears Business reporter, Jun 05 2013 Two citizens’ groups in Bruce County have asked for a probe of what they say are secret meetings held between local mayors and nuclear waste planners.

Records of meetings going back to 2005 show that mayors and nuclear waste planners discussed both plans for a low and intermediate nuclear waste site and a site for highly radioactive spent fuel, although the projects are supposed to be separate.

No public notice of the meetings was ever given, nor were records published until this spring, according to the groups.

Plans are far advanced for a low- and mid-level waste sitenear Kincardine, Ont., and some residents fear the used fuel site will automatically follow.

The citizens’ groups have filed a formal complaint about the process with Bruce County Council, saying that some of the sessions may have violated the rules governing open meetings under the Municipal Act.

Records of the meetings, though incomplete, show that the mayors were discussing the possibility of locating a used fuel disposal facility in the region before the public was let in on the possibility of it being in Bruce County……

Used nuclear fuel is a touchy subject because it is so highly radioactive. It must be encased in heavy radiation-proof containers, and remains dangerous for hundreds of thousands of years.

The idea of entombing it close to the Great Lakes has drawn criticism from both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border.

Some municipalities in Bruce County have expressed interest in the project, along with others in Northern Ontario and Saskatchewan.

The secrecy is troubling, said Cheryl Grace of Save Our Saugeen Shores, one of the two citizens’ groups.

“My question is: If everything’s so wonderful, what do you have to hide?” she said in an interview.

The existence of the advisory group only came to light with the release of documents about the low and intermediate level waste site. The federal panel examining that project is expected to hold public hearings this fall……

Mike Krizanc of the NWMO said his group attended in part to clarify the two separate processes for the two waste disposal plans.

The citizens’ groups have asked for a moratorium on selecting a high level waste site, but Krizanc said that’s not in the cards.

“Canadians have been very clear that this generation must begin to take responsibility now, and not leave used fuel as a legacy for future generations to deal with,” Krizanc said.http://www.thestar.com/business/2013/06/05/nuclear_waste_meetings_draw_criticism_in_bruce_county.html