Citizens' groups ask Federal Court to review planned nuclear waste disposal facility in Deep River, Ont.
CTV
Citizens' groups are asking the Federal Court to review the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s (CNSC) decision to give the green light for the construction of a nuclear waste disposal facility in Deep River, Ont., one kilometre from the Ottawa River.
Citizens' groups are asking the Federal Court to review the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s (CNSC) decision to give the green light for the construction of a nuclear waste disposal facility in Deep River, Ont., one kilometre from the Ottawa River.
The disposal project -- a seven-storey radioactive mound known as the "Near Surface Disposal Facility" (NSDF) – was approved by the CNSC last month.
The challenge was officially launched by Ralliement contre la pollution radioactive, the Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility and Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area on Wednesday.
The groups say they are seeking an order quashing the decision to amend the license to allow for construction of the disposal facility.
"In our view, the Commission’s decision to license the giant radioactive waste mound, one kilometer from the Ottawa River, is a serious mistake," said Lynn Jones of the Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area. "The mound is designed to last only 550 years, while much of the waste that would go into it will remain hazardous and radioactive for thousands of years."
They are asking the Federal Court to review what they call, "the Commission’s failure to adequately consider the following evidence":
• Radiation doses from the NSDF (as estimated by the proponent) would exceed some limits prescribed by Canadian regulations and international standards.