New updated content: 2018-02-26 18:01:20
We signed on, with eight other local organizations, to a letter to MP Greg Fergus providing additional information on the nuclear waste being stored at Chalk River and proposing a meeting to fully brief him on the dangers of the current decommissioning plan.
New updated content: 2018-04-23 11:06:41
Chalk River update, April 23 event
We signed on to a letter to the International Atomic Energy Association asking that it investigate whether the planned storage of nuclear waste at Chalk River would meet international standards. Paul and JP participated in a rally and march on Parliament Hill on April 23. It was quickly organized by the Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and saw around 30 participants. It received very good news coverage, owing partly to the fact that it was coupled with the presentation by a delegation of concerned indigenous groups at the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York City at the same time. Momentum against the nuclear waste storage plans at Chalk River seems to be gaining momentum.
New updated content: 2018-05-28 11:50:12
Chalk River
Paul reported on a plan that JP communicated to him for an open letter to the PM and party leaders to be published in a full-page newspaper ad. The cost would be between $5K and $6K. The hope is that about half of the signatories of the IAEA letter might contribute to the cost, meaning that our share would be around $300 should the request go through. Seeing as fewer members of the public read newspapers, and the cost being quite high for a small chance of success, it was felt that although we support getting this message out, we would not support this means to do so.
New updated content: 2018-07-23 12:35:12
Chalk River nuclear waste disposal plan
Paul reported on communication from Lynn Jones on behalf of the Concerned Citizens group. We are invited to participate in a “Red Canoe” march planned for August 22 in downtown Ottawa to help keep the awareness of the issue in the news. John suggested that the GA could perhaps do more to heighten knowledge and understanding of the issue by organizing a speaker’s bureau or panel with experts in the field.
Action: Paul to contact Ecology Ottawa and others on the possibility of organizing such an event.
New updated content: 2019-04-29 09:30:12
Chalk River
JP briefed the members on the full page ad published in the Hill Times calling on the PM and parliamentarians to halt the nuclear waste storage plans Chalk River. After seeing the quality of the ads, the members agreed to contribute $300 to their cost as part of our ongoing support of this Concerned Citizens group.
With time running out, there was no discussion of the remaining items on the agenda.
New updated content: 2020-01-20 10:26:09
Chalk River nuclear waste dump
JP reported on a request from the Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County and Area and the Old Fort William Cottagers’ Association to help them pay for a full page ad in The Hill Times against the current plans for storing nuclear waste from the decommissioned Chalk River site in an above ground landfill near wetlands that drain into the nearby Ottawa River. The Greenspace Alliance had contributed $300 to a previous ad in 2019 which seemed to get noticed by Hill politicos and generated good coverage. JP moved, seconded by Jason to again contribute $300 for this new ad, carried.
Action: Paul to send a $300 contribution to our contact on this group.
New updated content: 2021-03-22 12:04:04
Chalk River update
After years of advocacy on this issue led by the Concerned Citizens of Renfrew County, which the GA has supported throughout, the planned nuclear waste storage facility at Chalk River has finally made it to the agenda of City Hall. On a motion from Councillor Kavanagh, Council has directed that the question be considered by the Environmental Protection, Water and Waste Management Committee, where public delegations will be heard. The meeting is scheduled for March 30. There is some confusion over an additional motion sponsored Councillor Brockington inviting industry representatives to speak at committee as well. J.P., who has been the lead on this file throughout, will make representations at committee on behalf of the GA.
New updated content: 2021-04-19 12:15:03
Chalk River update
J.P. gave an update on the meeting of the Environmental Protection, Water and Waste Management Committee he attended on March 30 on behalf of the GA, which resulted in a watered down version of the original Kavanagh motion, now merely questioning the nuclear waste storage plans rather than opposing them outright. This recommendation was then endorsed by full Council on April 14, putting Ottawa offside of all the major municipalities on the Ottawa River. In the our discussion of these developments, David raised a series of arguments connecting the largely abandoned and ineffective effort of a few years ago to develop a watershed plan for the Ottawa River, the City’s role in that process, the suspended EIS of the Chalk River plans, the responsibility of the Minister of Natural Resources for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and the private consortium now managing this process, all of it situated in a broader regional ecological perspective. In the telling of the story from this angle, the inaction of the federal government on this file really stands out and maybe sets the agenda for future advocacy.
New updated content: 2022-01-17 09:09:39
The consideration by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission on the proposed Near Surface Disposal Facility at Chalk River is coming to an end, with preparation for the final hearing now underway. Erwin gave an update on the milestones leading to this hearing. The CSNC report is expected on January 24 followed by a Phase 1 hearing on February 22. The deadline for makings submissions for the final hearing is April 11, with the hearing itself on May 31. In this respect, JP reported on an email received from the leaders of the groups opposing the NSDF asking us to work with Ecojustice on developing more in-depth submission on our choice of a particular aspect of the proposal. Based on what Erwin reported from his participation in webinars and information sessions on the subject, and J.P.’s experience as GA lead on the file, it was agreed that we would decline this request and to instead develop our own submission at a broader policy and political level in time for the April 11 deadline. Members made suggestions regarding what this submission could cover and who might be engaged by it. David mentioned that the federal A-G is doing a report on nuclear waste
Action: JP to so inform our correspondents on behalf of the GA.
New updated content: 2022-02-21 09:15:11
Chalk River Near Surface Disposal Facility for nuclear waste:
With the April 11 2022 deadline for submissions fast approaching, an open discussion was held on topics and approaches to be taken by the GA and/or any of its members individually ahead of the final hearing by the Nuclear Safety Commission. David spoke of taking an overall watershed management perspective, based on good science. There is no watershed management plan for the Ottawa River, despite its huge draining area, which contains 38 dams, 8 mines and now this proposed nuclear waste facility, all upstream of the drinking water source for millions of residents in Quebec and Ontario. Erwin has reviewed and analyzed some of the Commission material and proposes to address specific issues regarding Cobalt60, treatment of effluents and waste classification. JP is leading the file for the GA and will draft general positions that may touch on compliance with international standards and missed opportunities for developing a forward thinking, exportable nuclear waste storage solution rather than the plastic lined open air landfill being proposed. It is recognized that post hearing, which will be strictly dealing with technical matters, the issue needs to rise to the political level and that giving it greater visibility is key. In this respect, it was suggested that the City of Ottawa should be pressed to take an official position on it. Also, candidates in the upcoming municipal elections should be confronted with taking a stand on the issue ahead. At the federal level, the Crown corporation Atomic Energy of Canada is still the official responsible agency, albeit with much reduced means, reporting to Parliament via the Minister of Natural Resources. Measures could also be taken to engage with these agencies and federal elected officials. The issue will be addressed again at the March general meeting to finalize the GA position.
New updated content: 2022-03-28 09:25:59
Chalk River Near Surface Disposal Facility for nuclear waste:
JP had circulated a draft of the points he wished to cover in the submission to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission that he is preparing on behalf of the GA. Members discussed and offered suggestions. Erwin and David expanded on the points they would cover in submissions they will be making in their own name. In the end, everyone was satisfied that the GA and members thereof would give a good account of themselves in writing and oral interventions at the May 31 hearings.
Action: JP to circulate final draft for review and send the final GA submission before the April 11 deadline.
New updated content: 2022-04-18 09:33:34
Chalk River Near Surface Disposal Facility for nuclear waste:
JP reported that the GA submission had been sent to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission by the April 11 deadline.
New updated content: 2023-07-31 12:25:48
The final hearing for the Near Surface Disposal Facility for nuclear wastes at Chalk River is scheduled for August 10 2023, expressly for the purpose of allowing affected First Nations to present their concerns regarding the proposal. In response to CNSC’s refusal told this hearing in person, the FNs have organize an in person gathering where their briefs will be presented live, with Commissioners observing online. The GA has been invited, and will attend, this in person gathering.
New updated content: 2023-09-06 12:31:56
The final hearing for the Near Surface Disposal Facility for nuclear wastes at Chalk River was held on August 10 2023. First Nations organized an in person meeting where they presented their briefs, with Commissioners observing online. Erwin and David attended this in person gathering and shared with members a brief description of the proceedings and their impressions on the process.
New updated content: 2024-02-26 15:30:36
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has approved the construction of the Near Surface Disposal Facility at Chalk River. The action on this file will now move from the regulatory sphere to the legal scene, with several legal challenges already launched. In this respect, the GA was asked by the local sponsors of the opposition to this facility to endorse a letter to the Prime Minister and also to local Cabinet Ministers. Subject to a number of proposed revisions, members agreed to endorse the letter.
Action: Paul to communicate our endorsement to the sponsors, subject to the proposed revisions.
