Dear Editor:
Finally, a face to face open information event about the DGR. It was held in Teeswater on Oct. 5.
The guest speakers gave information about the DGR concept that the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), the Community Liaison Committee (CLC) and the South Bruce Nuclear Exploration team should have also been giving to the community. There are so many unknowns to be answered before a DGR can go forward. And yet a vote is to occur voting on wanting to proceed or not. Is South Bruce really “informed”?
Did you know that all nuclear pellets are defective? Did you know that it has been many years since the transport trucks have been tested? Also, the trucks will have low amounts of radiation coming off them continually. Will this accumulate in the environment along the transportation route, e.g. especially down to the project site? Would you want to live near a transportation route?
Did you know that all those used nuclear rods have to be re-packaged prior to being placed in a DGR? Where and when is this to be done? Will this be done on the 1500 acres of land in South Bruce? It is a very involved procedure done by robots because it is deadly for human exposure.
Yes, bananas are radioactive, so are potatoes. Potassium is a natural radioactive element. The human body needs potassium, so has adjusted to processing this radiation. This is not the radiation coming from the used fuel bundles. There are many forms of radiation, all differing in mass, energy and how deeply they penetrate people and objects. Over time, how much high radioactive nuclear radiation will penetrate the South Bruce environment and people?
Why have small populated communities been chosen over larger populated areas? Because if there should be health or environmental issues, the numbers will be so insignificant it would not be a concern, meaning South Bruce residents are insignificant?
The referendum is coming – October 28th. Those who attended this information event learned that there are many unknowns about this “project”, yet the Municipal Council signed a hosting agreement with the NWMO. Have you read it? Mayor Goetz asked you to so you know how the Municipality will (not) be involved. How could they sign this agreement with so many unknowns and questions to be answered? Was economic development, aka money, the main incentive?
As a South Bruce resident, do you consider yourself FULLY “informed and willing” to carry on? Or NOT fully “informed and willing” to carry on? Is money more important than your health and the environment? Think about it. South Bruce residents, use your democratic right to vote.
S.A. McDonald, Culross/Teeswater
