Request immediate physical ground-truthing (netting or electrofishing) for the 26 species detected solely via eDNA metabarcoding in the Regional and Local Investigation Areas.
Strategic Rationale
The Proponent admits that 26 species were detected via eDNA but have not been visually confirmed. eDNA can be transported downstream or result from transient presence, which does not accurately reflect resident populations or habitat usage. For the community, accurate knowledge of which fish actually inhabit the local Mennin and Revell river systems is vital for establishing a defensible baseline. Without physical confirmation, the Proponent's risk assessment may underestimate the biodiversity of the waters directly adjacent to the community.
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.