Request the formal inclusion of 'Site Characterization' activities (drilling, traffic, workforce presence) into the Socio-Economic Baseline and Impact Statement, despite the Proponent's claim that it is 'not a designated activity' under the IAA.
Strategic Rationale
"The text argues that site characterization is merely a data-gathering phase ('scientific and technical information') and thus exempt from the IAA. However, for Melgund, this phase involves significant industrial activity, including heavy machinery and increased road usage. Since Melgund is an unorganized territory with zero local emergency services (no fire, police, or ambulance), the physical risks associated with 'characterization' activities are just as critical as those during construction. If these activities are excluded from the designated project scope, the Proponent may fail to demonstrate self-sufficiency for emergency response during this phase. We must ensure the 'integrated assessment' captures the immediate burden of characterization on our lack of infrastructure."
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.