Reject the use of 1980s desktop data (GBIF) for terrestrial invertebrates and the 'unoptimized' eDNA results for reptiles; mandate a new, comprehensive field program to establish a valid modern baseline for these groups.
Strategic Rationale
"The Proponent's submission relies on terrestrial invertebrate data from the 1980s and admits that 2021 eDNA analyses for reptiles 'may not have been fully optimized,' resulting in zero detections despite high potential for species like snapping turtles. In an unorganized territory like Melgund, the natural environment is the primary asset. Relying on 40-year-old data or failed experimental methodologies creates a significant data gap. The Working Group must require robust, current field data to ensure that 'Species at Risk' and 'Significant Wildlife Habitats' are accurately identified and protected prior to any site disturbance."
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.