SON to study OPG proposed nuclear waste storage site

The Saugeen Ojibway Nations have made their opposition known to the panel considering a proposal for a nuclear waste storage site near Kincardine. Ontario Power Generation and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission say the plan to bury 200,000 cubic metres of low and intermediate-level radioactive waste in a layer of limestone 680 metres deep is sound and they have backing from Kincardine town council and local business groups. During the hearing, OPG disclosed that in the future it wants to double the size of the underground facility, to hold waste from decommissioned and dismantled nuclear stations. The waste storage site is located on Saugeen Ojibway Nations traditional land and OPG said it would not proceed if SON objects. Former Chief Randall Kahgee, who is now the lawyer heading SON’s process for determining community support for the project, told the panel that the communities have formed a working group to study the spiritual and cultural significance of the project and how it affects the people’s relationship with their territory.