Tuesday, February 8th, 2011 - 05:58:48

NDP Environment Critic Peter Tabuns today joined mayors, environmentalists and aboriginal leaders in condemning the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s decision to allow Bruce Power to transport 12 radioactive nuclear steam generators across the Great Lakes for processing in Sweden.

“Shipping this load of 1600 tons of radioactive waste puts the Great Lakes at potential risk and provides no public benefit whatsoever,” said Tabuns. “The McGuinty government should stop this unnecessary enterprise until a clear provincial policy on the transport and management of radioactive waste has been put in place.”

On Friday, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission granted a “special arrangement” that allows Bruce Power to transport the steam generators across the Great Lakes, something that would normally not be allowed because the generators exceed international standards for radioactivity.

“The McGuinty government has shown a total lack of leadership in dealing with low- and intermediate-level nuclear waste in Ontario,” said Tabuns. “Instead of allowing private companies like Bruce Power to maximize their profits by shipping waste overseas for so-called recycling, the Ontario government should develop a waste management policy that serves Ontarians.”

Originally, the steam generators were to be stored at Ontario Power Generation’s Western Waste Management Facility until 2043, and underground thereafter – a plan approved by a 2006 Federal Environmental Assessment. However, in 2009, Bruce Power decided it wanted to ship the generators across the Great Lakes to Sweden, an idea that has never undergone an environmental assessment.

“Before the Ontario Ministry of Transportation grants permits allowing the steam generators to be transported to Owen Sound for shipping, the McGuinty government should consult Ontarians and put in place a clear policy on the classification, transportation and management of low and intermediate nuclear waste in Ontario,” said Tabuns.

Groups opposing the shipment of steam generators across the Great Lakes include the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, the Council of Canadians and the Sierra Club.