Despite opposition from First Nations and some scientists, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) will still be able to move forward with construction of a nuclear waste disposal facility in Chalk River. The project is progressing on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabeg people.
According to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), which is responsible for approving these types of projects, the surface waste disposal facility (NGDPS) is unlikely to have a significant impact on the environment unless the LNC implements all proposed remedial measures and monitoring Measures, we can read in a press release from the organization published on Tuesday.
In particular, the CNSC believes that the project design is robust, that it is based on a solid safety case, that it allows the facility to achieve its required nominal life and that it is sufficient to withstand severe weather phenomena, the press release continues.
In particular, the Commission argues that it has fulfilled its constitutional obligation to consult and, where appropriate, take into account the rights of Aboriginal people.
On Jan. 2, Radio-Canada learned that researchers at the Canadian Museum of Nature rejected the project because of the risks to two already threatened freshwater species, including the hickory nut. The project, led by SNC-Lavalin, would be located just one kilometer from the Ottawa River.
The LNC authorization is therefore modified by the Commission: it is valid until 2028.
Kebaowek First Nation condemns CNSC decision
The Kebaowek First Nation, located north of Témiscaming, strongly condemned the CNSC and called on the federal government to intervene to stop this extremely environmentally hazardous project.
The Commission's final decision is completely unfounded as it concludes that the project has been completed […] will have no significant impact on the environment, the nation's leader, Lance Haymond, said in a news release.
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Kebaowek boss Lance Haymond condemned the CNSC's decision and called for federal government intervention. (archive photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Brett Forester
Although the decision states that CNL will take appropriate measures to protect the environment, health, personal safety and national security and to comply with national obligations, it cannot be denied that the safety and health of people and the environment are significant He will respond to this project for generations to come.
He particularly cites the risks of earthquakes, forest fires, floods and other extreme weather phenomena as justification for his opposition to the project. He also recalls that more than 140 cities in Quebec and Ontario have expressed their opposition or concern about the project, including Gatineau, Montreal and Ottawa.
The Commission's decision is unacceptable, particularly because it violates the rights of indigenous peoples and environmental protection. The Canadian government must act quickly and declare the suspension of the project immediately, concludes Mr. Haymond.
Jane Toller “disappointed and frustrated”
Pontiac MRC Prefect Jane Toller did not hide her dissatisfaction with the CNSC's decision. She describes the consultation as symbolic listening and laments that so many groups, including indigenous peoples, have expended so much energy trying to make their point, to no avail.
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Pontiac MRC prefect Jane Toller says she “hopes” the installation is indeed safe. (archive photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada
The Federal Government is fully aware of the United Nations declaration [sur les droits des peuples autochtones]according to which there should be no storage of nuclear waste on land [autochtones]she insisted in an interview.
Time will tell if this project is safe, but we can only hope for the best.
The elected official described the consultations conducted by the federal government as a joke. It wasn't sincere advice. “It bothers me that the First Nations were not listened to,” said Ms. Toller.
It therefore submits that the main request to build the structure further from the Ottawa River was rejected by the CNSC.
An imperfect solution, according to an environmental organization
The Garde-rivière des Outaouais organization also reacted to the authorization issued by the CNSC, pointing out that it was an incomplete solution.
We would welcome improvements to the proposal. “We are currently reviewing the final decision and will receive further comment soon,” Laura Reinsborough, the organization’s president and CEO, said in an interview.
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Laura Reinsborough, president and CEO of Ottawa Riverkeeper, has concerns about the location of the LCN facilities. (archive photo)
Photo: Radio-Canada / Nelly Alberola
She points out that the nuclear waste problems at Chalk River are not new. There is already a lot of nuclear waste there. A solution must be found to improve the situation, she emphasizes.
With information from Patrick Foucault, Nelly Albérola and CBC News