Challenge the Proponent's assertion that 'neither mercury nor polychlorinated biphenyls are expected to be released' by requiring a specific assessment of contaminant mobilization via physical sediment disturbance and hydrological changes.
Strategic Rationale
"The Proponent's submission acknowledges that mercury and PCBs are present in the existing baseline and subject to current advisories in the Wabigoon and Dinorwic systems. While the facility itself may not introduce new mercury, construction activities, road building, and drainage changes can methylate and mobilize existing legacy mercury in wetlands and sediments. For Melgund Township, which sits within these watersheds, the distinction between 'releasing' new chemicals and 'mobilizing' existing ones is irrelevant if the outcome is increased toxicity in local fish. The Proponent must model the physical mobilization of these specific baseline contaminants rather than dismissing them solely because they are not part of the waste stream."
Source Context
Understanding the Impacts of Nuclear Waste on our Community
This digital archive houses the public comments submitted to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada regarding Project 88774: The Nuclear Waste Management Organization Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada's Used Nuclear Fuel Project. The impact assessment is led jointly by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. This archive preserves community perspectives, concerns, and observations shared during the assessment process, particularly in relation to Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario and the communities of Dyment and Borups Corners who are the closest and most impacted of all in the process.