To the editor,
I find it interesting that the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has delayed making a decision about where the deep geological repository (DGR) will go be located – either in South Bruce or Ignace – until 2024. Is there a problem?
The NWMO has been in South Bruce since 2012, and really pushing for a “willing” community since 2020 after they optioned 1,500 acres of land. What is wrong? Not enough people learning about the DGR? Not convinced enough people are “willing?” Do their teaching skills need to be improved? Are the numerous studies not proving to be effective?
The NWMO is blaming it on the pandemic and not being able to communicate personally with people. Just who are the people the NWMO wants to communicate with face-to-face after 10 years in the community? Did their computer skills and Zoom meetings not go well?
And about those numerous studies – how many people have been reading the complete version of the studies? There will be 24 reports all several pages long. The nice glossy flyers sent to every household by the South Bruce Nuclear Exploration Team don’t even touch the “tip of the iceberg” as to what is in the studies. After reading some reports, the South Bruce CLC (Community Liaison Committee) meetings don’t really tell you anything. One wonders how many CLC members, municipal councillors, and other decision makers have read the complete studies?
For example, did you know that there is a proposal to put turning lanes and traffic lights at the corner of Bruce Road 4 (Clinton Street) and County Road 6 (Hillcrest Street) in Teeswater? Did you know the study suggests that the “Last Mile” roads leading to the DGR site be reconstructed, which involves rebuilding the entire road structure, to accept 6.8 tonne tractor trailers carrying the nuclear waste to the DGR, twice a day for 46 years? This will also involve turning lanes and road widening, which will take out land/farm properties. Landowners and farmers beware!
And there will be numerous detours during the construction phase. The potential road improvements at 2022 prices could amount to well over $89,000,000. Can the municipality afford that or does the NWMO pay for it all?
The complete studies, which have cost thousands of dollars, are very interesting but concerning. The entire South Bruce community will be completely changed. The Centre of Expertise is going to be the “Wonderland” (with no amusement rides) of Bruce County.
It is time people started taking a closer look at the complete studies and take a more active interest in what the NWMO and municipal council is doing. The NWMO is not just the giving out money for community betterment; they are bringing radioactive nuclear waste to the community. Want to know more? The NWMO is giving you another year to “learn.”
S.A. McDonald
Culross/Teeswater
Editor’s note: During the July 21 South Bruce CLC meeting, the Local Traffic Study and Road Conditions Safety Report were discussed. It was stated during that meeting that any road improvements needed for the project would be funded by the NWMO.
