Background:
Gregory Jaczko, ex-Chairman of the US Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, is recommending that old
reactors in the USA not be allowed to enjoy an
"extended life" beyond their originally licenced
But here in Canada, geriatric CANDU reactors are
being "refurbished" and licenced to operate for another
20 years or more beyond their originally anticipated
lifetime. (Except in Quebec, where the Government
opted to phase out rather than refurbish!)
In New Brunswick, the Public Utilities Board strongly
recommended against refurbishing the Point Lepreau
reactor because it was financially too risky, compared
with available alternatives.
NB Power and the NB Government thought they knew
better. They gave the go-ahead for an 18-month
retrofit of Point Lepreau, supposed to cost $1.2 billion.
Four-and-a-hald years later -- after an extra $1 billion
was added to the price tag, and an additional $1 billion
in unanticipated charges for replacement power had been
incurred -- the old reactor was restarted in Nov. 2012.
But a refurbished reactor is not a new reactor. The
refuelling machine is having problems removing the
"plug" in many of the hundreds of fuel channels,
necessitating slower refuelling times and reduced
power levels for the reactor.
You'd think they would have checked all that before
restarting the reactor, wouldn't you?
Gordon Edwards.
=======================
Point Lepreau's operating targets
stymied by refuelling problems
NB Power has lost millions of dollars
through lost electricity production
By Robert Jones, CBC News,
April 9, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/d64smgu
The Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating
The fuelling issue is the second significant problem the reactor has dealt with since coming back in service. It was also powered down in December to adjust the chemistry of its boiler water.
The Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station has operated at an average of just 68 per cent capacity since coming on line last fall new figures show, well below the 93 per cent the utility projected during Energy and Utilities Board hearings last winter.
The shortfall represents about $30 million in lost electricity production.
Station is still operating at 35 per cent,
according to NB Power. (CBC)
==============================
The New Brunswick System Operator, the organization that schedules use of the province's transmission system, said Point Lepreau put 173,000 megawatt hours of electricity onto the province's electrical grid in March.
That's 35.3 per cent of the reactor's capacity and the least amount its produced since the plant went back into service last November.
NB Power has been running Point Lepreau at partial power for more than a month to preserve fuel and buy time as it works to fix problems with the reactor's new refuelling system.
Kathleen Duguay, a spokesperson with NB Power, said a solution announced last week appears to be working although the reactor will continue to operate at partial power until more fuel channels are replenished.The fuelling issue is the second significant problem the reactor has dealt with since coming back in service. It was also powered down in December to adjust the chemistry of its boiler water.
Gaëtan Thomas, the president and chief executive officer of NB Power, has said early problems are to be expected, although the utility did not budget for them.
Last year, NB Power filed evidence with the Energy and Utilities Board projecting a 93 per cent operating capacity during its first six months, representing the generation of $150 million worth of electricity.
The plan included 13 days of lost production for unexpected events but as of Tuesday, four and a half months into its life, the reactor has already lost 44 days worth of production.
In March, the Energy and Utilities Board approved Point Lepreau's 27-year operational plan, but notified the utility it would review that approval if the reactor strayed too far from its short term performance targets.
"The board will consider the appropriateness of the estimated lifespan of the refurbished plant during each rate case presented by NB Power or, if it deems it appropriate, from time to time in separate proceedings ordered by the Board," the ruling said.
The Point Lepreau reactor returned to commercial service in November 2012 after its problem-plagued refurbishment was completed.
The project was more than three years behind schedule and more than $1 billion over its original budget.
Atlantic Canada's only nuclear reactor had been out of service since March 2008.
The reactor was originally scheduled to come back online in September 2009, but that date was moved to December 2009, January 2011 and then February 2012 as various problems occurred.
The 660-megawatt plant produces enough electricity to power more than 333,000 homes per year, officials have said.
Month Nov 2012 Dec 2012 Jan 2013 Feb 2013 March 2013
Performance 100 % 45 % 85 % 101 % 35 %
Background:
Gregory Jaczko, ex-Chairman of the US Nuclear
Regulatory Commission, is recommending that old
reactors in the USA not be allowed to enjoy an
"extended life" beyond their originally licenced
But here in Canada, geriatric CANDU reactors are
being "refurbished" and licenced to operate for another
20 years or more beyond their originally anticipated
lifetime. (Except in Quebec, where the Government
has opted to phase out rather than refurbish!)
Years ago, in New Brunswick, the Public Utilities Board
strongly recommended against refurbishing the Point
Lepreau reactor because it was financially too risky,
compared with available alternatives.
NB Power and the NB Government thought they knew
better. They gave the go-ahead for an 18-month
retrofit of Point Lepreau, supposed to cost $1.2 billion.
Four-and-a-half years later -- after an extra $1 billion
was added to the price tag, as well as an additional
$1 billion in unanticipated charges for replacement
power had been incurred -- the old reactor was
restarted in Nov. 2012.
But a refurbished reactor is not a new one. Not
everything is working as it should. In particular, the
refuelling machine is having problems removing the
"plugs" in many of the hundreds of fuel channels,
necessitating longer refuelling times and leading to
Media Advisory:
Inuit Organization documents unbalanced
and secretive decision-making on uranium
and other mineral extraction in Nunavut
From: Nunavummiut Makitagunarningit
Date: April 8, 2013 10:04:50 AM EDT
Makita Makes Submission
to UN Special Rapporteur
Nunavummiut Makitagunarningit has made a submission
to the study on extractive and energy industries in and
near indigenous territories being conducted by Prof.
James Anaya, the United Nations’ Special Rapporteur
on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The submission explains that since it was formed in
November 2009, Nunavummiut Makitagunarningit has
lobbied the institutions created by the Nunavut Land
Claims Agreement to provide mechanisms to ensure
the free, prior, and informed consent of Inuit in questions
regarding uranium and other mineral extraction in the territory.
The submission documents that the experience of
Nunavummiut to date has been rather the opposite of
free, prior, and informed consent: that all key uranium-
related decisions taken by institutions created by
settlement of the NLCA have been made behind
closed doors.
These institutions have avoided the issue of democratic
consent at all costs, opting instead for carefully controlled
“consultations” with no real mandate to assess community
consent in any meaningful way. The mining industry has
been overrepresented in these “consultations”, to the point
that both NTI and the GN relied on industry consultants for
supposedly unbiased and impartial policy “advice”.
The submission repeats Makita’s call for a public inquiry
into uranium mining, to be followed by free and democratic
votes – by the residents of Baker Lake and among NLCA
beneficiaries – on the wisdom of opening the door to
who-knows-how-many uranium mines in Nunavut… with
all the cumulative effects they would entail.
Makita’s submission can be found on our website at
The website of Prof. Anaya’s study is
The submission explains that since it was formed in
The submission documents that the experience of
The submission repeats Makita’s call for a public inquiry
Makita’s submission can be found on our website at
Background:
Gregory Jaczko, Chairman of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission until last year, has arrived at a very basic realization: every potentially dangerous machine should have an emergency "off" switch that shuts everything down completely. And nuclear power reactors don't have one. So, he concludes, all power recators should be phased out.
How many action adventure movies show the hero disabling an explosive device or cutting the power to some monstrous killing machine just in the nick of time -- mere seconds before total disaster erupts? In the blink of an eye the device or machine goes from malevolent to benign -- from catastrophic to harmless -- because someone pushed the "off" switch.
But a nuclear power reactor cannot be turned off completely, no matter what the emergency may be. Talk about a design flaw! Imagine a car that can't be stopped, or a fire that cannot be put out....
Oh, yes, there are "fast shutdown systems" in every nuclear reactor that can stop the nuclear chain reaction in less than two seconds, and they usually work quite well. The Three Mile Island reactor was "shut off" instantly, at the first sign of trouble; it only melted down later. The three operating Fukushima Dai-ichi reactors all "shut themselves off" automatically before the tsunami hit; but they all melted down anyway.
The problem is, shutting off the nuclear chain reaction does NOT stop the heat production. And it is that unstoppable process that keeps adding more heat to the core, driving the temperature spiraling upwards towards the melting point of the fuel -- at a few thousand degrees on whatever scale you are using.
Why doesn't the heat stop? It's because we do not know how to shut off radioactivity.
There is an incredible inventory of fiercely radioactive byproducts created in the core of the reactor during normal operation. Even after the fission process is stopped, heat continues to be generated at an awesome rate simply through the radioactive decay (disintegration) of the unstable atoms that have accumulated in the core as a result of the fissioning of nuclear fuel.
This heat, called "decay heat", is more than enough to melt the core of the reactor and everything else in the core area of the reactor. Immediately after "shutdown", the decay heat is about 7 percent of full power heat.
For a reactor designed to produce 1000 megawatts of electricity, there is normally about 3000 megawatts of heat being generated. If such a reactor is suddenyly shut down, about 7% of those 3000 megawatts of heat is still being produced by the relentless radioactive disintegration of the waste byproducts in the irradiated nuclear fuel.
That's more than 200 megawatts of heat -- and it cannot be stopped.
Emergency cooling systems can remove the heat, but if the reactor is knocked out, who's to say the emergency cooling systems aren't also knocked out?
A reactor that can't be stopped is like hell on a handcart. And they're all like that.
Gordon Edwards.
------------------------------
WASHINGTON — All 104 nuclear power reactors now in operation in the United States have a safety problem that cannot be fixed and they should be replaced with newer technology, the former chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission said on Monday. Shutting them all down at once is not practical, he said, but he supports phasing them out rather than trying to extend their lives.
The position of the former chairman, Gregory B. Jaczko, is not unusual in that various anti-nuclear groups take the same stance. But it is highly unusual for a former head of the nuclear commission to so bluntly criticize an industry whose safety he was previously in charge of ensuring.
Asked why he did not make these points when he was chairman, Dr. Jaczko said in an interview after his remarks, “I didn’t really come to it until recently.”
“I was just thinking about the issues more, and watching as the industry and the regulators and the whole nuclear safety community continues to try to figure out how to address these very, very difficult problems,” which were made more evident by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, he said. “Continuing to put Band-Aid on Band-Aid is not going to fix the problem.”
Dr. Jaczko made his remarks at the Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference in Washington in a session about the Fukushima accident. Dr. Jaczko said that many American reactors that had received permission from the nuclear commission to operate for 20 years beyond their initial 40-year licenses probably would not last that long. He also rejected as unfeasible changes proposed by the commission that would allow reactor owners to apply for a second 20-year extension, meaning that some reactors would run for a total of 80 years.
Dr. Jaczko cited a well-known characteristic of nuclear reactor fuel to continue to generate copious amounts of heat after a chain reaction is shut down. That “decay heat” is what led to the Fukushima meltdowns. The solution, he said, was probably smaller reactors in which the heat could not push the temperature to the fuel’s melting point.
Dr. Jaczko resigned as chairman last summer after months of conflict with his four colleagues on the commission. He often voted in the minority on various safety questions, advocated more vigorous safety improvements, and was regarded with deep suspicion by the nuclear industry. A former aide to the Senate majority leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, he was appointed at Mr. Reid’s instigation and was instrumental in slowing progress on a proposed nuclear waste dump at Yucca Mountain, about 100 miles from Las Vegas.
&
Background:
Irradiated nuclear fuel is so radioactive that it
continues to generate heat long after it has been
removed from the reactor. Without adequate
cooling, this "decay heat" -- caused by the ongoing
disintegration of radioactive atoms in the used
fuel assemblies -- will cause the temperature of
the irradiated fuel to rise to dangerous levels.
In fact it is this "decay heat" that caused the
core meltdowns at Three Mile Island and at
Fukushima Dai-ichi, at temperatures in excess
of 2800 degrees C (5000 degrees F).
Irradiated nuclear fuel has to be cooled in pools
of circulating water for several years after removal
from the reactor in order to prevent large releases
of radioactive materials caused by melting or
overheating of the fuel assembly "cladding" (a
thin metal coat enclosing the nuclear fuel rods).
Loss of electrical power incapacitates the pumps
that are needed for heat removal. That's what
caused the core meltdowns in the first place.
Two years later, electrical supply remains an
ongoing problem, although the response time
is now measured in hours instead of seconds.
Gordon Edwards
===========================
Rat Chase Backfires
At Reactor In Japan
by Hirochi Tabuchi, New York Times, April 5, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/c76v4wr
TOKYO — Workers at the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant -- who were installing wire nets Friday to keep rats away from a vital cooling system -- instead tripped that system, causing it to fail for the second time in weeks.
In fact it is this "decay heat" that caused the
core meltdowns at Three Mile Island and at
Fukushima Dai-ichi, at temperatures in excess
of 2800 degrees C (5000 degrees F).
Irradiated nuclear fuel has to be cooled in pools
of circulating water for several years after removal
from the reactor in order to prevent large releases
of radioactive materials caused by melting or
overheating of the fuel assembly "cladding" (a
thin metal coat enclosing the nuclear fuel rods).
Loss of electrical power incapacitates the pumps
that are needed for heat removal. That's what
caused the core meltdowns in the first place.
Two years later, electrical supply remains an
ongoing problem, although the response time
is now measured in hours instead of seconds.
Gordon Edwards
TOKYO — Workers at the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant -- who were installing wire nets Friday to keep rats away from a vital cooling system -- instead tripped that system, causing it to fail for the second time in weeks.
The spent-fuel pool at the site’s No. 3 reactor went without fresh cooling water for almost three hours on Friday afternoon, said the plant’s operator, the Tokyo Electric Power Company, or Tepco.
Cooling was restored by late evening on Friday, and there was no imminent danger to the 566 nuclear fuel rods stored in the pool, according to the company. It would have taken at least two weeks for the pool to have risen above the safe level of 149 degrees Fahrenheit, Tepco said.
Still, the recent power failures have raised concerns over continued vulnerabilities at the plant two years after a large earthquake and tsunami knocked out its vital cooling systems, resulting in multiple fuel meltdowns and forcing 160,000 people to evacuate.
The debris-strewn plant still relies on makeshift cooling systems, some of which were hastily put together in the accident’s frantic aftermath. The spent-fuel pools, which hold far more radioactive material than the reactor cores, have been a particular source of concern.
A blackout disabled cooling at four fuel pools last month, an event the company traced to a rat that might have gnawed on power cables and caused a short circuit. Engineers found its scorched body in a damaged switchboard.
Tepco has since installed mousetraps at the site and promised to plug holes through which rats and other rodents might enter buildings and gnaw on important equipment. It has also promised to speed up work to install backup power cables to the fuel pools.
But Friday afternoon, four workers using wire meshing to seal a space around electric cables caused a ground fault, or the accidental flow of current to the ground. No one was injured, but the ground fault shut off electricity to the cooling system at the No. 3 reactor fuel pool.
“We were installing wire nets to keep the rats out. But the end of one of the wires may have momentarily come into contact with a live terminal,” said Masayuki Ono, general manager at Tepco’s Nuclear Power and Plant Siting Division.
Clarification re. Cree Moratorium on Uranium
In a recent message forwarded from the Saskatchewan-based
Committee for Future Generations, sent just a few hours ago,
there was a bit of confusion with regard to the Cree moratorium
on uranium in Quebec.
Although the Cree Nation of Mistissini was courageously ahead
of the uranium issue by opposing uranium development in their
own backyard, the "nationalization" of this issue was due to the
action of the Grand Council of the Crees, at the request of
Mistissini and other Cree entities.
The Grand Council -- which represents all ten Cree communities
-- is the body that enacted the Cree permanent moratorium in all
of Eeyou-Istchee (the extensive Cree territory spanning much of
Northern Quebec).
The Grand Council of the Crees is now engaged in diplomacy,
litigation, advocacy and other efforts to implement and secure that
permanent Cree moratorium. It appears that the Quebec government
has not been entirely respectful with the Cree Nation in the mandate
given to the BAPE (Bureau des audience publiques sur l'environnement.
Office of Public Hearings on the Environment) to hold "generic" hearings
on the environmental impacts of uranium mining in the province, given
that the BAPE does not have jurisdiction in Cree territory.
See the Grand Council statement of March 28, 2013:
For an eloquent formulation of the Cree position, you can view the
statement made by Shawn Iserhoff, Youth Chief of the Cree, at the
March 11 2013 media conference in Quebec City.
Thanks to friends of CCNR for helping with these clarifications.
Gordon Edwards.
Subject: An appeal from Saskatchewan: Support Quebec's moratorium on uranium
<
Date: April 6, 2013 4:40:36 PM EDT (CA)
************************************
******************************************************************
Amazing things continue to happen in Quebec where on March 28th, Environment Minister Yves-Francois Blanchet announced, with the support of Premier Pauline Marois,
a moratorium on uranium development in Quebec
"until an INDEPENDENT study on the environmental
impact and the social acceptance if extracting uranium
is COMPLETED...".
*************************************************************************************
******************************************************************************************
Amazing things continue to happen in Quebec where on March 28th, Environment Minister Yves-Francois Blanchet announced, with the support of Premier Pauline Marois,
a moratorium on uranium development in Quebec
"until an INDEPENDENT study on the environmental
impact and the social acceptance if extracting uranium
is COMPLETED...".
This is extraordinary in and of itself, but also because it amounts to exactly what we [The Committee for Future Generations in Saskatchewan] are attempting to have the Saskatchewan and Canadian governments ordered to do by way of our court case.
Let us not forget that it was the Mistissini Cree Nation that started this ball rolling almost a year ago in June 2012 when Grand Chief Richard Shecapio announced the Cree decision to ban all uranium development. (Remember that to date, Quebec is completely free of uranium mining, which the Strateco Corporation is pushing to change by opening the Matoush mine [in the Otish Mountains near the Cree village of Mistissini].)
"Chief Shecapio explained that his Council intends to do whatever it takes to implement a moratorium on uranium development.
"In light of the lack of social acceptability, cultural incompatibility and the lack of a clear understanding of the health and environmental impacts of uranium mining, it would be reckless for us as a people to move forward and allow the licensing of Strateco's advanced exploration project. We are seeking a moratorium on uranium mining and exploration on our traditional lands as well as in the province of Quebec".
Chief Shecapio explained that the Crees "have always been the guardians and protectors of the land and will continue to be. For the Crees of Mistissini, the land is a school of its own and the resources of the land are the material and supplies they need. Cree traplines are the classrooms. What is taught on these traplines to the youth is the Cree way of life, which means living in harmony with nature. This form of education ensures ou survival as a people. Any form of education that leads to survival is a high standard of education. Cree form of education teaches us to be humble, respectful, responsible, disciplined, independent, sharing and compassionate.
Because our people are still active on the land, hunting, trapping and consuming the animals, we are concerned that traditional foods may become contaminated with radionuclides, posing a threat to those who eat them. High levels of radionuclides in moose and caribou tissues have been reported in animals near uranium mines. This indirect exposure can lead to serious health issues for the people who eat contaminated animals."
Since the Mistissini Cree announced this ban, uranium company Strateco applied to a Quebec court to overrule the Crees.
In a demonstration of solidarity between anti-nuclear groups and First Nation governance, on March 11, 2013, a coalition of First Nations, municipalities and environmental activists marked the second anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster by calling on the provincial government to put a stop to uranium exploration in Quebec.
"We'll do whatever it takes to stop uranium development on our traditional territory,"
-Shawn Iserhoff, chief of the Mistissini Cree Youth Council.
"...the Matoush (uranium mine) project would involve the creation of some two million tonnes of radioactive waste which would have to be stored on Cree territory. How much money is necessary to repair the damage that could be caused by a radioactive spill, which would affect not just the aquatic environment but wildlife as well?"
-Ugo Lapointe, spokesperson for Quebec Meilleur Mine
By March 28th, we have the Quebec government declaring a moratorium until an independent study can be carried out.
To me it is no coincidence that this has all happened so closely after the Journey of Nishiyuu, which was walked for all of us on Quebec soil. The miracles started the day the the first young heart had that vision, and with the first footstep began resonating the spirit of healing.
Strateco's stocks have already taken a dive in the wake of the announcement of this moratorium. Knowing the nuclear industry, it will be launching a huge public relations campaign to discredit the Quebec government for its decision.
I know everyone's resources in terms of time and energy are already stretched to the limit, but I firmly believe we need to contact asap the Quebec and Mistissini Cree Nation governance, as well as antinuclear coalition spokesperson Ugo Lapointe (note also Gordon Edwards of CCNR quoted in the March 28 article) with a strong message of solidarity and support from our network.
This would consist of an information package outlining the impact that uranium mining has had on all aspects of our lives in this province, suggestions on how to begin moving in the direction of building renewable infrastructure to create truly sustainable prosperity, and an invitation to contact us regarding any way we may possibly help in this initiative.
What is happening in Quebec could have hugely positive implications for our court case, but deeper than that, is a sign of what is possible when we call on our Creator in gratitude, faith and courage. It's being handed to us on a silver platter and we must respond in solidarity. Keep on praying and opening your hearts in whatever way you know how, for guidance, strength and healing.
We will be meeting tomorrow to discuss this initiative and will soon be following up this email with phonecalls. In the meantime please consider what you and/or your organization have to offer.
Thank you.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
************************************************************************************************************
Committee for Future Generations
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Let's Be Active Participants in the Lives of Our Children's Children
==============================
Quebec becomes third province
to impose uranium moratorium
Vladimir Basov | April 4, 2013
Quebec Environment Minister Yves-Francois Blanchet
Quebec became the third Canadian province, after Nova Scotia and British Columbia, to establish a moratorium on uranium development.
Environment minister Yves-Francois Blanchet announced last Thursday no permits for exploration or mining will be issued until an independent study on the environmental impact and social acceptance of extracting uranium has been completed.
The minister delegated authority on uranium development issues to the province's office of public hearings on the environment (BAPE), which has the power to recommend all possible scenarios — from a permanent uranium ban to determining safe ways to develop resources of this radioactive metal.
Thus, unlike Nova Scotia and BC, the uranium moratorium in Quebec looks temporary at the moment as it is conditional to BAPE’s approval in every particular case.
Immediately after the moratorium was announced, the share price of Canadian-based Strateco Resources Inc. (TSE: RSC), which is developing the Matoush uranium deposit in Quebec, slumped by 67%.
Guy Hebert, Strateco's chief executive officer, denounced the moratorium in a written statement.
"Without prior notice and for no good reason, neither rational nor scientific, the government has changed the rules. The minister's attitude is both irresponsible and unprecedented," he said.
Strateco said it has invested more than $120 million in its prospective Matoush project. All required approvals from the provincial review committee, the federal review committee, the federal environment minister and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission have been obtained after a rigorous review process and a series of public hearings.
Matoush is considered one of the highest-grade uranium projects in the world and is located about 275 km from the town of Chibougamau in central Quebec.
______________________________
Quebec anti-uranium coalition
calls for exploration ban
CBC News, Mar 11, 2013
![Anti-uranium coalition spokesman Ugo Lapointe is flanked by Shawn Iserhoff, youth council chief of the Mistissini Cree and, to his right, by Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.]()
A coalition of First Nations, municipalities and environmental activists marked the second anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster by calling on the provincial government to put a stop to uranium exploration in Quebec.
Right now, there are no uranium mines in the province, and the government has pledged to hold hearings on the issue before allowing a mine to proceed.
However, coalition spokesman Ugo Lapointe says the government is sending a mixed message, by promising hearings even as it grants permits for uranium exploration.
"There is a danger," Lapointe said. "You send a signal that you want it."
The Marois government's first move after taking office last September was to announce it would shut down the Gentilly-2 nuclear power station, and Lapointe says it would be illogical for the government to now allow the mining of the radioactive element necessary for nuclear energy production.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission granted a uranium exploration license to Strateco Resources last October, to allow the company to do advanced exploration for uranium at the Matoush site in the Otish Mountains, about 210 kilometres northeast of Mistissini. Que.
The exploration company is eager to proceed. It launched a lawsuit against the Quebec government in January to try to force the government to make a decision — and to ask the court to void a condition created by the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement requiring the company to demonstrate the project has the support of the Grand Council of the Crees.
The Grand Council of the Crees is strongly opposed to the project.
"We'll do whatever it takes to stop uranium development on our traditional territory," said Shawn Iserhoff, chief of the Mistissini Cree youth council.
Iserhoff says the Mistissini Crees do not oppose all mining, but the short-term economic benefits of uranium mining do not outweigh its long-term environmental and health risks.
If Quebec does allow the Matoush project to proceed, Strateco Resources would be required by law to set aside $30 million to defray the costs of future environmental damage.
However, Lapointe says that measure offers little reassurance.
He said the Matoush project would involve the creation of some two million tonnes of radioactive waste which would have to be stored on Cree territory.
"How much money is necessary to repair the damage that could be caused by a radioactive spill, which would affect not just the aquatic environment but wildlife as well?" Lapointe asked.
______________________________
![Cree Nation of Mistissini]()
Cardinal Communications, Inc.
June 05, 2012 20:13 ET
Uranium Exploration:
Mistissini Says "No" and Calls for a Moratorium
MISTISSINI, EEYOU ISTCHEE--(Marketwire - June 5, 2012) - The Chief of Cree Nation of Mistissini, Richard Shecapio, made it clear at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's (CNSC) public hearing, held today (June 5) in Mistissini, that his community is firmly against uranium development in Eeyou Istchee. « We want to put an end to the question of uranium development once and for all, right now. We know where this is going and we don't want any uranium mining at all », said Chief Shecapio.
This hearing concerns Strateco Resources Inc.'s (Strateco) application for a licence to develop an underground exploration program at the Matoush Project, located approximately 260 kilometres north of Chibougamau, Québec. In November 2010, the Cree Nation of Mistissini expressed that this project did not have the support of the community. This position was reasserted again in 2011. Today, the Chief confirmed that nothing has changed and that the Cree Nation of Mistissini's position on uranium remains unchanged.
A moratorium
Chief Shecapio explained that his Council intends to do « whatever it takes » to implement a moratorium on uranium development. «In light of the lack of social acceptability, cultural incompatibility and the lack of a clear understanding of the health and environmental impacts of uranium mining, it would be reckless for us as a people to move forward and allow the licensing of Strateco's advanced exploration project. We are seeking a moratorium on uranium mining and exploration on our traditional lands as well as in the province of Quebec », said Chief Shecapio.
In his oral presentation at the hearings, Chief Shecapio explained that the Crees «have always been the guardians and protectors of the land and will continue to be. For the Crees of Mistissini, the land is a school of its own and the resources of the land are the material and supplies they need. Cree traplines are the classrooms. What is taught on these traplines to the youth is the Cree way of life, which means living in harmony with nature. This form of education ensures ou survival as a people. Any form of education that leads to survival is a high standard of education. Cree form of education teaches us to be humble, respectful, responsible, disciplined, independent, sharing and compassionate ».
« Because our people are still active on the land, hunting, trapping and consuming the animals, we are concerned that traditional foods may become contaminated with radionuclides, posing a threat to those who eat them. High levels of radionuclides in moose and caribou tissues have been reported in animals near uranium mines. This indirect exposure can lead to serious health issues for the people who eat contaminated animals>>, expressed Chief Shecapio.
The CNSC, along with Canadian environmental agencies have concluded that this project presents low risk to the environmental and human health. This, however, has not been effectively demonstrated to the people of the Cree nation of Mistissini. If this project goes ahead, the perception of the contamination it will cause will permanently impact the relationship that the Cree of Mistissini have with their land with long term impacts on hunting, fishing and trapping.
No nuclear development
Another point Mistissini opposes is Quebec's investment in the future of nuclear energy. « We do not believe that nuclear energy, which is the primary use for uranium in Canada, is a sustainable form of energy. We do not want to see a resource extracted from our land be responsible for causing pollution and waste. We do not want this to be our impact on the world. The Crees have already sacrificed a great deal, including their rights and their land, for one source of clean and abundant renewable energy: hydroelectricity », added Richard Shecapio.
Lack of communication
Although still in the early phases of its implementation, Strateco's efforts to engage the community since the signing of the CIA have not been, and remain out of synch with the community's expectations. « We signed a Communication and Information Agreement with Strateco in December in good faith, in order to give them the opportunity to do what they should have been doing since 2006 : to address my people's concerns with this project. Nothing, however has changed since the signing of the agreement. Strateco does not have and has never had our support for the Matoush project despite what they may have announced to their investors », said Chief Shecapio.
Uranium mining is not locally accepted in Eeyou Istchee. It was standing room only in the arena where the June 5th hearing was held with community members unable to attend tuning in from home and work to listen to the proceedings on the local FM radio.
« Strateco Resources is far from having the Cree Nation of Mistissini's consent to proceed with this project. We hope for the recognition and respect of our community's concerns and position by the Commission Tribunal in taking its final decision on the issuance of a license to Strateco Resources », concluded Richard
Background:
"High level radioactive waste" is a term that the nuclear
industry reserves for irradiated nuclear fuel, whether in
solid form or in liquid form (post-reprocessing waste).
When nuclear fuel is irradiated in a nuclear reactor,
hundreds of new radioactive elements are created.
Collectively,they are million of times more radioactive
than the nuclear fuel itself was, before it was irradiated.
The new radioactive materials fall into three categories:
(1) fission products (these are the broken pieces of uranium
or plutonium atoms that have been "split" or "fissioned")
(2) transuranic actinides (these are atoms that are heavier
than uranium due to neutron absorption), and (3) activation
products (these are created when non-radioactive atoms
absorb stray neutrons and become radioactive).
The fission products include radioactive gases like xenon,
argon and krypton, as well as radioactive vapours and solids
like cesium-137, iodine-129 and strontium-90. The transuranic
actinides include isotopes of plutonium, neptunium, curium,
and americium -- these are highly radiotoxic materials which
remain dangerous, in most cases, for millennia. Activation
products include radioactive varieties of hydrogen (called
"tritium"), carbon (carbon-14), iron, zirconium, and even lead.
Reprocessing irradiated fuel is carried out for the purpose
of extracting some of the radioactive byproducts from the
irradiated nuclear fuel, for military of industrial use.
Reprocessing requires dissolving the irradiated nuclear fuel
in boiling nitric acid, creating an intensely radioactive and
highly corrosive liquid which is active in many ways: it
is radioactive, meaning that news "decay products" are
being produced on a continual basis; it is chemically
meaning that fragments of atoms called "ions" are
combining to form new compounds, creating a thick
radioactive sludge and in some cases releasing hydrogen
gas; and it is thermally active, means that heat is being
generated because of the energy of ongoing radioactive
disintegrations and exothermic chemical reactions.
Generally speaking, high-level radioactive liquid waste is
among the most toxic materials on the plant. A single
gallon would be enough to ruin an entire city's water
supply.
That is why liquid high-level radioactive waste has never
been transported over public roads in North America until
now. And that is why many groups in the USA and Canada
are opposed to the current plan to begin transporting small
quantities of liquid high-level radioactive waste from Chalk
River, Ontario, to Savannah River, South Carolina. These
transport would last for about 4 or 5 years, with one or two
truckloads per week.
The Hanford tanks contain high-level radioactive liquid wastes
left over from the extraction of plutonium as a nuclear explosive
material to be used in nuclear weapons. The Chalk River
high-level radioactive liquid waste is left over from the
extraction of medical isotopes.
The Government of Canada has pledged to discontinue the
extraction of medical isotopes from irradiated nuclear fuel
by 2016, and is subsidizing the development of alternative
ways of producing medical isotopes that will not require the
use of nuclear reactors or the reprocessing of irradiated fuel.
Gordon Edwards.
Nuclear Waste Site at Risk of
Hydrogen Explosion, Report Warns
Following report of leaks, nuclear safety board
finds dangerous hydrogen build up in waste
holding tanks
- Lauren McCauley, staff writer, Common Dreams, April 3, 2013
![]()
Storage tanks at Hanford Nuclear Reservation
(Photo: Philo Nordlund via Flickr)
Tanks at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation which
sits on the Columbia River in Benton County,
Washington face dangerous risk of hydrogen
build up which could trigger an explosion of
radioactive materials, a nuclear safety board
announced on Monday.
The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board expressed these concerns in a briefing letter to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, who sought the board's review ahead of next week's confirmation hearing for President Obama's Energy Secretary nominee Ernest J. Moniz—a known nuclear-hawk.
The board expressed concern over the potential for hydrogen gas buildup within the underground tanks, particularly those "double wall" tanks which contain the highly radioactive material that was previously pumped out of leaking single-shell tanks.
"All the double-shell tanks contain waste that continuously generates some flammable gas," the board said. "This gas will eventually reach flammable conditions if adequate ventilation is not provided."
Earlier this year, investigators found six single-shelled underground storage tanks leaking up to 1,000 gallons of radioactive sludge each year—a situation that noted theoretical physicist Michio Kaku called a "ticking time bomb."
According to the Associated Press, officials have known about the explosive potential of the hydrogen gas build up and last fall the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board recommended additional monitoring and ventilation of the tanks, which federal officials have been working to implement.
Federal officials have thus far evaded any long term, sustainable clean up of the 56 million gallons of highly radioactive material currently held at the former Manhattan Project site.
During their review, the board also noted that the waste treatment plant, which is currently being constructed for long-term waste disposal, faces serious technical problems which could lead to "chemical explosions, inadvertent nuclear reactions and mechanical breakdowns," the New York Times reports.
Background:
High-level radioactive waste is the most dangerous material
on earth. It has never been transported in liquid form over
Canadian or American roads and bridges. Why should it be
done for the first time now, without any public consultation or
detailed consideration of alternatives?
If the goal is to eliminate the storage of weapons-grade
uranium in liquid form, that goal can be accomplished
on site without any transportation of the liquid material.
All that's needed is to mix enough liquid depleted uranium
in with the liquid HEU liquid, so that the uranium left in the
liquid form is no longer weapons-usable
Another alternative is solidification of the high-level liquid
waste -- something that AECL has already been doing for
the last decade, since the storage of this waste material in
liquid form was discontinued.
The members of the nuclear priesthood should no longer
be given carte blanche by our governments to pursue their
own self-serving agendas without full public scrutiny.
Chalk River scientists just want to get the waste out of sight
and out of mind, while Savannah River scientists see
the liquid waste from Canada as a business opportunity to
keep their liquid reprocessing facility busy and flush with cash.
These are paltry motives that do not justify this risky venture.
Gordon Edwards, Ph.D., President,
Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility.
Notes from Robert Alvarez:
According to the Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD:
"It should be noted that liquid HLW must be solidified prior
to its transport, packaging, or disposal. "
According to the IAEA: "However, it is generally thought
that storage of high-level waste in the liquid form should
be only an interim measure and that solidification of the
waste should be undertaken when practicable.
Solidification will reduce the mobility of the waste and its
potential for
dispersion. Furthermore, the solid form will
be more suitable for transportation, storage and/or disposal." http://www.iaea.org/
==============================
Augusta (Georgia) Chronicle (Augusta, Georgia is about 20 miles from SRS)
Canada to ship highly enriched uranium
(HEU) to Savannah River Site (SRS)
Savannah River Site’s H Canyon processing plant will expand its operations to accommodate 23,000 liters of liquid radioactive material from Canada, according to the U.S. Energy Department.
The material from Atomic Energy Canada Limited’s Chalk River Laboratory is included in a nonproliferation effort aimed at recovering U.S.-origin highly enriched uranium distributed to research facilities in other countries.
The Canadian lab used highly enriched uranium for decades to produce molybdenum-99, a source of technetium for medical diagnostic procedures. The process involved dissolving targets in acid, which yields a highly radioactive liquid that contains highly enriched uranium.
The department said a contract has been signed in which Canada will pay $60 million over four years for SRS to receive and downblend the liquid, beginning as early as this year.
Jim Giusti, an Energy Department spokesman, said the assignment to downblend the highly enriched uranium into low enriched uranium for use in commercial reactor fuel is good news for workers assigned to the facility.
“This could definitely help the H Canyon staff to mitigate the impacts of sequestration and continuing resolutions,” he said.
The facility creates about 750 direct jobs and employs almost 1,100 workers if support service personnel in other areas are included.
The 23,000 liters of liquid radioactive material will be trucked to SRS in specially designed shipping containers, but the routes, quantities and shipping dates are kept secret.
“It would be shipped in Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensed containers and according to Department of Transportation regulations when in the U.S.,” Giusti said, and shipment plans will be coordinated with law enforcement and transportation officials in states along the route.
Processing the Canadian material will also generate more radioactive waste at SRS.
Estimates indicate that the 23,000 liters, once processed, would create about 1.5 million gallons of low-level waste that would be disposed of in the site’s Saltsone Facility; and enough high-level waste to fill an additional 24 steel canisters produced by the site’s Defense Waste Processing Facility.
Those quantities translate to about one additional month of operation for the Defense Waste Processing Facility and two additional months of work for the saltstone facility.
Tom Clements, the Southeastern nuclear campaign coordinator for Friends of the Earth, believes the Canada project is more about bringing money to SRS than safeguarding bomb-grade materials.
“A decision by the U.S. Department of Energy to import 23,000 liters of liquid high-level waste from Canada is being presented as a nonproliferation effort, but in reality it is a waste-management issue in Canada and a monetary issue at the Savannah River Site,” Clements said, adding that Canada “is dumping their problem on SRS.”
Importing the Canadian material required amending Savannah River Site’s Spent Nuclear Fuel Environmental Impact Statement, which also provides authority to accelerate processing of spent nuclear fuel already stored on-site.
Currently, spent fuel recovered from foreign and domestic research reactors has been stored in the site’s L Basin, which is expected to reach capacity by 2016.
The amended spent nuclear fuel plan will allow the department to process enough material through 2018 to free up storage space in L Basin for additional nuclear material to be brought to South Carolina.
Freeing up storage space by processing more material will avoid the need to modify or expand the L-Basin storage facility, saving about $40 million, the department said.
The plan to send the material to South Carolina originated in March 2012, when a commitment was made between Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada and President Obama at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Association of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
The AFNQL strongly objects to the
exploration and mining of uranium
Press Release from AFNQL, April 1, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/buq28wa
Wendake, QC, March 28, 2013 – Assembled in the Abenaki community of Odanak on March 13 2013, the Chiefs of the AFNQL adopted a resolution which strongly and definitively opposes the exploration and exploitation of uranium.
“The exploration and exploitation of uranium constitute major and irreversible health hazards to our populations, our territories and the resources it contains. The First Nations have the most sacred duty to protect their populations, their territories and their resources”, stated Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.
“I also encourage all the First Nations to clearly and publicly demonstrate their opposition to the exploration and exploitation of uranium on their territories”, concluded Chief Picard.
The AFNQL supports the coalition of more than 300 localities throughout Quebec calling for a moratorium on the exploration and exploitation of uranium.
About the AFNQL
The AFNQL is the regional organization regrouping the
43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.
For information: www.apnql-afnql.
A two-day Symposium on "The Medical
and Ecological Consequences of the
Fukushima Nuclear Accident" was held
at the New York Academy of Medicine
on March 11 and 12, 2013.
This presentation by Arnie Gundersen
at the New York Symposium on March 11,
2013, is highly recommended viewing for
anyone who hopes to get a better under-
standing of the health and environmental
impacts of the Fukushima disaster --
exactly two years earlier to the day.
Many experts, both inside and outside the
nuclear establishment, believe that the
offsite radioactive contamination from the
Chernobyl disaster was greater than that
from the Fukushima disaster.
This seems hard to believe since Chernobyl
represented a single core meltdown whereas
Fukushima involved three core meltdowns --
not to mention the releases from spent fuel
pools that were left open to the atmosphere
after the explosions at Fukushima destroyed
the outer shells of reactor buildings.
But analysts say that most of the radioactivity
released from Fukushima went out over the
Pacific ocean, whereas Chernobyl was land-
locked and most of the radioactivity came
down in areas that were cultivated and/or
inhabited.
Moreover, analysts believe that about 90%
of the radioactive cesium (one of the worst
offenders in terms of biological damage and
environmental contamination) in each of the
Fukushima reactor cores was probably
prevented from escaping to the atmosphere
because of filtration by water stored in the
"torus" (doughnut-shaped structure) near
the bottom of each Fukushima reactor vessel.
But Gundersen observes that, if the water in
the torus was boiling due to the enormous
heat of the core melting (the ceramic fuel melts
at a temperature of 5000 degrees F or 2800
degrees C) then there would be virtually NO
retention of radioactive cesium in the torus.
Consequently cesium emissions at Fukushima
were likely much higher than estimated so far,
up to 10 times higher in fact. This would tip
the balance, making offsite radioactive
contamination from Fukushima much greater
than that from Chernobyl.
Gordon Edwards.
Reply
Forward
Gordon Edwards
Mar 29 (11 days ago)
to Gordon
Please discard the last e-mail I sent with
this subject line.
The internet link provided in that message
is incorrect.
The following text contains the correct link.
G.E.
==============================
Background:
A two-day Symposium on "The Medical
and Ecological Consequences of the
Fukushima Nuclear Accident" was held
at the New York Academy of Medicine
on March 11 and 12, 2013.
This presentation by Arnie Gundersen
at the New York Symposium on March 11,
2013, is highly recommended viewing for
anyone who hopes to get a better under-
standing of the health and environmental
impacts of the Fukushima disaster --
exactly two years earlier to the day.
Many experts, both inside and outside the
nuclear establishment, believe that the
offsite radioactive contamination from the
Chernobyl disaster was greater than that
from the Fukushima disaster.
This seems hard to believe since Chernobyl
represented a single core meltdown whereas
Fukushima involved three core meltdowns --
not to mention the releases from spent fuel
pools that were left open to the atmosphere
after the explosions at Fukushima destroyed
the outer shells of reactor buildings.
But analysts say that most of the radioactivity
released from Fukushima went out over the
Pacific ocean, whereas Chernobyl was land-
locked and most of the radioactivity came
down in areas that were cultivated and/or
inhabited.
Moreover, analysts believe that about 90%
of the radioactive cesium (one of the worst
offenders in terms of biological damage and
environmental contamination) in each of the
Fukushima reactor cores was probably
prevented from escaping to the atmosphere
because of filtration by water stored in the
"torus" (doughnut-shaped structure) near
the bottom of each Fukushima reactor vessel.
But Gundersen observes that, if the water in
the torus was boiling due to the enormous
heat of the core melting (the ceramic fuel melts
at a temperature of 5000 degrees F or 2800
degrees C) then there would be virtually NO
retention of radioactive cesium in the torus.
Consequently cesium emissions at Fukushima
were likely much higher than estimated so far,
up to 10 times higher in fact. This would tip
the balance, making offsite radioactive
contamination from Fukushima much greater
than that from Chernobyl.
Gordon Edwards.
Background:
The Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program (NLLP) was established
by the Federal Government to try to deal with the incredibly
complicated radioactive waste and decommissioning problems
created by AECL (Atomic Energy of Canada Limited) over the
decades. [See http://www.
Until last week, the total cost of this program was estimated
be about $7 billion -- spread over 70 years. Already AECL is
in the eighth year of this taxpayer funded make-work project (NLLP)
to repackage and consolidate various forms of liquid and solid
radioactive wastes and to dismantle dangerously radioactive
buildings which in turn produces even more radioactive rubble
to deal with. So far all of this work has been done on the Chalk
River site only.
But there are three "prototype" nuclear power reactors owned
by AECL -- the Gentilly-1 reactor in Quebec, the Douglas Point
reactor on the Bruce site in Ontario, and the NPD (Nuclear Power
Demonstration) reactor at Rolphton on the OPttawa River -- which
will also have to be dismantled at federal taxpayer's public expense
This "dismantling" work is included in the "package" of AECL's
nuclear legacy liabilities -- but so far, NONE of the money allocated
to AECL under the NLLP has been spent on these three reactor
carcasses.
Last week AECL "suddenly" announced that they were adding
$2.4 billion to their estimated expenditures under the NLLP.
This announcement just about eradicated the "deficit reductions"
that the Harper Conservative government was hoping to announce.
Yet nobody in Parliament or in Government seriously questions
AECL about this gross over-spending on or gross under-estimating
of liabilities. And since the three reactors -- each of them has
been shut down for decades and should be ready for dismantling
-- have not ever been realistically addressed by AECL, you can be
sure that AECL will be back again for even more billions when
the time comes to face the music on reactor decommissioning.
Just over a year ago, in February 2012, AECL's "Low Level
Radioactive Waste Organization" suddenly added $1 billion to
the estimated cost of consolidating the radioactive wastes in
Port Hope Ontario after decades of neglect. The cost went,
overnight, from $800 million to $1.8 billion -- more than double.
No explanation, no accounting, no inquiry, and no argument
from the federal government -- just hand over the money, boys.
There seems to be no accountability in the nuclear industry. No
one is ever disciplined or fined or charged or even demoted when
things go wrong. There is no independent auditing -- from people
totally outside the Canadian nuclear establishment -- into the
billions of dollars of cost over-runs that are charged to the public
purse.
The attitude seems to be, "What the hell, it's not our money, it's
just the taxpayer's money -- and if the taxpayer's are not upset
about it, why should we be?"
Gordon Edwards.
==============================
AECL review forces federal
nuclear liability to increase
by $2.4 billion
by Heather Scoffield The Canadian Press, Wed Mar 20, 2013
/
Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. quietly announced Tuesday night
that the anticipated long-term cost for cleaning up its nuclear
program has surged to a total of $5 billion, up 67 per cent from
the $3.6 billion that is currently on the books. The Canadian Press
by Heather Scoffield The Canadian Press, Published on Wed Mar 20 2013
OTTAWA—A sudden $2.4-billion revision to Canada’s nuclear liabilities has crept up on Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and substantially deepened the deficit for the current fiscal year at a time when he is trying desperately to whittle it down.
But analysts say there is probably enough wiggle room in the government numbers this year to absorb the $2.4 billion without throwing Flaherty’s longer-term deficit reduction plans too far off course.
Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. quietly announced Tuesday night that the anticipated long-term cost for cleaning up its nuclear program has surged to a total of $5 billion, up 67 per cent from the $3.6 billion that is currently on the books.
AECL said the increased liability will go straight to Ottawa’s bottom line, adding to the deficit of the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
AECL said previous estimates were out of date and the indirect costs of disposing of radioactive waste over the next 70 years have climbed.
“The main reason for the liability adjustment is an increase in the indirect costs attributed to the decommissioning and waste management over the period of up to 70 years of the program,” the AECL statement explains.
It’s no coincidence that word of the large increase in liability is coming out just before Flaherty tables the spring budget, says Peter DeVries, an Ottawa-based consultant and former senior official at the Department of Finance.
“They want to book it now, in 2012-13, because the year is nearly over. They want to get it out of the way,” DeVries said in an interview.
The 2012-13 fiscal year ends on March 31 and the $2.4 billion will show up as a one-time hit on the government’s books for that year only — even though the money won’t actually be spent for years.
Indeed, before the AECL news, the federal government was probably on track to come in a couple of billion dollars ahead of where they had projected last fall, added Toronto-Dominion Bank economist Derek Burleton.
“Based on this year’s fiscal monitor results, they may have some wiggle room.”
So even though the revised AECL liability will set them back $2.4 billion, Ottawa is better off booking it this year than next year, he said.
That’s because economic growth is projected to slow more than Ottawa had expected next year, eating into federal revenues and making it difficult for Flaherty to get ahead, Burleton said.
Flaherty had previously projected a deficit of $26 billion for this fiscal year and many had expected him to beat that projection by a couple of billion dollars. Now that the increased AECL liability has been thrown into the mix, he will probably be close to his initial $26 billion when he tables the budget on Thursday, Burleton added.
Subject: An appeal from Saskatchewan: Support Quebec's moratorium on uranium
Date: April 6, 2013 4:40:36 PM EDT (CA)
Date: April 6, 2013 4:40:36 PM EDT (CA)
************************************
******************************************************************
Amazing things continue to happen in Quebec where on March 28th, Environment Minister Yves-Francois Blanchet announced, with the support of Premier Pauline Marois,
a moratorium on uranium development in Quebec
"until an INDEPENDENT study on the environmental
impact and the social acceptance if extracting uranium
Amazing things continue to happen in Quebec where on March 28th, Environment Minister Yves-Francois Blanchet announced, with the support of Premier Pauline Marois,
a moratorium on uranium development in Quebec
"until an INDEPENDENT study on the environmental
impact and the social acceptance if extracting uranium
is COMPLETED...".
*************************************************************************************
******************************************************************************************
Amazing things continue to happen in Quebec where on March 28th, Environment Minister Yves-Francois Blanchet announced, with the support of Premier Pauline Marois,
a moratorium on uranium development in Quebec
"until an INDEPENDENT study on the environmental
impact and the social acceptance if extracting uranium
is COMPLETED...".
This is extraordinary in and of itself, but also because it amounts to exactly what we [The Committee for Future Generations in Saskatchewan] are attempting to have the Saskatchewan and Canadian governments ordered to do by way of our court case.
Let us not forget that it was the Mistissini Cree Nation that started this ball rolling almost a year ago in June 2012 when Grand Chief Richard Shecapio announced the Cree decision to ban all uranium development. (Remember that to date, Quebec is completely free of uranium mining, which the Strateco Corporation is pushing to change by opening the Matoush mine [in the Otish Mountains near the Cree village of Mistissini].)
"Chief Shecapio explained that his Council intends to do whatever it takes to implement a moratorium on uranium development.
"In light of the lack of social acceptability, cultural incompatibility and the lack of a clear understanding of the health and environmental impacts of uranium mining, it would be reckless for us as a people to move forward and allow the licensing of Strateco's advanced exploration project. We are seeking a moratorium on uranium mining and exploration on our traditional lands as well as in the province of Quebec".
Chief Shecapio explained that the Crees "have always been the guardians and protectors of the land and will continue to be. For the Crees of Mistissini, the land is a school of its own and the resources of the land are the material and supplies they need. Cree traplines are the classrooms. What is taught on these traplines to the youth is the Cree way of life, which means living in harmony with nature. This form of education ensures ou survival as a people. Any form of education that leads to survival is a high standard of education. Cree form of education teaches us to be humble, respectful, responsible, disciplined, independent, sharing and compassionate.
Because our people are still active on the land, hunting, trapping and consuming the animals, we are concerned that traditional foods may become contaminated with radionuclides, posing a threat to those who eat them. High levels of radionuclides in moose and caribou tissues have been reported in animals near uranium mines. This indirect exposure can lead to serious health issues for the people who eat contaminated animals."
Since the Mistissini Cree announced this ban, uranium company Strateco applied to a Quebec court to overrule the Crees.
In a demonstration of solidarity between anti-nuclear groups and First Nation governance, on March 11, 2013, a coalition of First Nations, municipalities and environmental activists marked the second anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster by calling on the provincial government to put a stop to uranium exploration in Quebec.
"We'll do whatever it takes to stop uranium development on our traditional territory,"
-Shawn Iserhoff, chief of the Mistissini Cree Youth Council.
"...the Matoush (uranium mine) project would involve the creation of some two million tonnes of radioactive waste which would have to be stored on Cree territory. How much money is necessary to repair the damage that could be caused by a radioactive spill, which would affect not just the aquatic environment but wildlife as well?"
-Ugo Lapointe, spokesperson for Quebec Meilleur Mine
By March 28th, we have the Quebec government declaring a moratorium until an independent study can be carried out.
To me it is no coincidence that this has all happened so closely after the Journey of Nishiyuu, which was walked for all of us on Quebec soil. The miracles started the day the the first young heart had that vision, and with the first footstep began resonating the spirit of healing.
Strateco's stocks have already taken a dive in the wake of the announcement of this moratorium. Knowing the nuclear industry, it will be launching a huge public relations campaign to discredit the Quebec government for its decision.
I know everyone's resources in terms of time and energy are already stretched to the limit, but I firmly believe we need to contact asap the Quebec and Mistissini Cree Nation governance, as well as antinuclear coalition spokesperson Ugo Lapointe (note also Gordon Edwards of CCNR quoted in the March 28 article) with a strong message of solidarity and support from our network.
This would consist of an information package outlining the impact that uranium mining has had on all aspects of our lives in this province, suggestions on how to begin moving in the direction of building renewable infrastructure to create truly sustainable prosperity, and an invitation to contact us regarding any way we may possibly help in this initiative.
What is happening in Quebec could have hugely positive implications for our court case, but deeper than that, is a sign of what is possible when we call on our Creator in gratitude, faith and courage. It's being handed to us on a silver platter and we must respond in solidarity. Keep on praying and opening your hearts in whatever way you know how, for guidance, strength and healing.
We will be meeting tomorrow to discuss this initiative and will soon be following up this email with phonecalls. In the meantime please consider what you and/or your organization have to offer.
Thank you.
Amazing things continue to happen in Quebec where on March 28th, Environment Minister Yves-Francois Blanchet announced, with the support of Premier Pauline Marois,
a moratorium on uranium development in Quebec
"until an INDEPENDENT study on the environmental
impact and the social acceptance if extracting uranium
is COMPLETED...".
By March 28th, we have the Quebec government declaring a moratorium until an independent study can be carried out.
To me it is no coincidence that this has all happened so closely after the Journey of Nishiyuu, which was walked for all of us on Quebec soil. The miracles started the day the the first young heart had that vision, and with the first footstep began resonating the spirit of healing.
Strateco's stocks have already taken a dive in the wake of the announcement of this moratorium. Knowing the nuclear industry, it will be launching a huge public relations campaign to discredit the Quebec government for its decision.
I know everyone's resources in terms of time and energy are already stretched to the limit, but I firmly believe we need to contact asap the Quebec and Mistissini Cree Nation governance, as well as antinuclear coalition spokesperson Ugo Lapointe (note also Gordon Edwards of CCNR quoted in the March 28 article) with a strong message of solidarity and support from our network.
This is extraordinary in and of itself, but also because it amounts to exactly what we [The Committee for Future Generations in Saskatchewan] are attempting to have the Saskatchewan and Canadian governments ordered to do by way of our court case.
Let us not forget that it was the Mistissini Cree Nation that started this ball rolling almost a year ago in June 2012 when Grand Chief Richard Shecapio announced the Cree decision to ban all uranium development. (Remember that to date, Quebec is completely free of uranium mining, which the Strateco Corporation is pushing to change by opening the Matoush mine [in the Otish Mountains near the Cree village of Mistissini].)
"Chief Shecapio explained that his Council intends to do whatever it takes to implement a moratorium on uranium development.
"In light of the lack of social acceptability, cultural incompatibility and the lack of a clear understanding of the health and environmental impacts of uranium mining, it would be reckless for us as a people to move forward and allow the licensing of Strateco's advanced exploration project. We are seeking a moratorium on uranium mining and exploration on our traditional lands as well as in the province of Quebec".
Chief Shecapio explained that the Crees "have always been the guardians and protectors of the land and will continue to be. For the Crees of Mistissini, the land is a school of its own and the resources of the land are the material and supplies they need. Cree traplines are the classrooms. What is taught on these traplines to the youth is the Cree way of life, which means living in harmony with nature. This form of education ensures ou survival as a people. Any form of education that leads to survival is a high standard of education. Cree form of education teaches us to be humble, respectful, responsible, disciplined, independent, sharing and compassionate.
Because our people are still active on the land, hunting, trapping and consuming the animals, we are concerned that traditional foods may become contaminated with radionuclides, posing a threat to those who eat them. High levels of radionuclides in moose and caribou tissues have been reported in animals near uranium mines. This indirect exposure can lead to serious health issues for the people who eat contaminated animals."
"Chief Shecapio explained that his Council intends to do whatever it takes to implement a moratorium on uranium development.
"In light of the lack of social acceptability, cultural incompatibility and the lack of a clear understanding of the health and environmental impacts of uranium mining, it would be reckless for us as a people to move forward and allow the licensing of Strateco's advanced exploration project. We are seeking a moratorium on uranium mining and exploration on our traditional lands as well as in the province of Quebec".
Chief Shecapio explained that the Crees "have always been the guardians and protectors of the land and will continue to be. For the Crees of Mistissini, the land is a school of its own and the resources of the land are the material and supplies they need. Cree traplines are the classrooms. What is taught on these traplines to the youth is the Cree way of life, which means living in harmony with nature. This form of education ensures ou survival as a people. Any form of education that leads to survival is a high standard of education. Cree form of education teaches us to be humble, respectful, responsible, disciplined, independent, sharing and compassionate.
Because our people are still active on the land, hunting, trapping and consuming the animals, we are concerned that traditional foods may become contaminated with radionuclides, posing a threat to those who eat them. High levels of radionuclides in moose and caribou tissues have been reported in animals near uranium mines. This indirect exposure can lead to serious health issues for the people who eat contaminated animals."
Since the Mistissini Cree announced this ban, uranium company Strateco applied to a Quebec court to overrule the Crees.
In a demonstration of solidarity between anti-nuclear groups and First Nation governance, on March 11, 2013, a coalition of First Nations, municipalities and environmental activists marked the second anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster by calling on the provincial government to put a stop to uranium exploration in Quebec.
"We'll do whatever it takes to stop uranium development on our traditional territory,"
-Shawn Iserhoff, chief of the Mistissini Cree Youth Council.
"...the Matoush (uranium mine) project would involve the creation of some two million tonnes of radioactive waste which would have to be stored on Cree territory. How much money is necessary to repair the damage that could be caused by a radioactive spill, which would affect not just the aquatic environment but wildlife as well?"
-Ugo Lapointe, spokesperson for Quebec Meilleur Mine
"We'll do whatever it takes to stop uranium development on our traditional territory,"
-Shawn Iserhoff, chief of the Mistissini Cree Youth Council.
"...the Matoush (uranium mine) project would involve the creation of some two million tonnes of radioactive waste which would have to be stored on Cree territory. How much money is necessary to repair the damage that could be caused by a radioactive spill, which would affect not just the aquatic environment but wildlife as well?"
-Ugo Lapointe, spokesperson for Quebec Meilleur Mine
By March 28th, we have the Quebec government declaring a moratorium until an independent study can be carried out.
To me it is no coincidence that this has all happened so closely after the Journey of Nishiyuu, which was walked for all of us on Quebec soil. The miracles started the day the the first young heart had that vision, and with the first footstep began resonating the spirit of healing.
Strateco's stocks have already taken a dive in the wake of the announcement of this moratorium. Knowing the nuclear industry, it will be launching a huge public relations campaign to discredit the Quebec government for its decision.
I know everyone's resources in terms of time and energy are already stretched to the limit, but I firmly believe we need to contact asap the Quebec and Mistissini Cree Nation governance, as well as antinuclear coalition spokesperson Ugo Lapointe (note also Gordon Edwards of CCNR quoted in the March 28 article) with a strong message of solidarity and support from our network.
This would consist of an information package outlining the impact that uranium mining has had on all aspects of our lives in this province, suggestions on how to begin moving in the direction of building renewable infrastructure to create truly sustainable prosperity, and an invitation to contact us regarding any way we may possibly help in this initiative.
What is happening in Quebec could have hugely positive implications for our court case, but deeper than that, is a sign of what is possible when we call on our Creator in gratitude, faith and courage. It's being handed to us on a silver platter and we must respond in solidarity. Keep on praying and opening your hearts in whatever way you know how, for guidance, strength and healing. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
************************************************************************************************************
Committee for Future Generations
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Let's Be Active Participants in the Lives of Our Children's Children
==============================
Quebec becomes third province
to impose uranium moratorium
Vladimir Basov | April 4, 2013
Quebec Environment Minister Yves-Francois Blanchet
Quebec became the third Canadian province, after Nova Scotia and British Columbia, to establish a moratorium on uranium development.
Environment minister Yves-Francois Blanchet announced last Thursday no permits for exploration or mining will be issued until an independent study on the environmental impact and social acceptance of extracting uranium has been completed.
The minister delegated authority on uranium development issues to the province's office of public hearings on the environment (BAPE), which has the power to recommend all possible scenarios — from a permanent uranium ban to determining safe ways to develop resources of this radioactive metal.
Thus, unlike Nova Scotia and BC, the uranium moratorium in Quebec looks temporary at the moment as it is conditional to BAPE’s approval in every particular case.
Immediately after the moratorium was announced, the share price of Canadian-based Strateco Resources Inc. (TSE: RSC), which is developing the Matoush uranium deposit in Quebec, slumped by 67%.
Guy Hebert, Strateco's chief executive officer, denounced the moratorium in a written statement.
"Without prior notice and for no good reason, neither rational nor scientific, the government has changed the rules. The minister's attitude is both irresponsible and unprecedented," he said.
Strateco said it has invested more than $120 million in its prospective Matoush project. All required approvals from the provincial review committee, the federal review committee, the federal environment minister and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission have been obtained after a rigorous review process and a series of public hearings.
Matoush is considered one of the highest-grade uranium projects in the world and is located about 275 km from the town of Chibougamau in central Quebec.
______________________________
Quebec anti-uranium coalition
calls for exploration ban
CBC News, Mar 11, 2013
![Anti-uranium coalition spokesman Ugo Lapointe is flanked by Shawn Iserhoff, youth council chief of the Mistissini Cree and, to his right, by Ghislain Picard, Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.]()
A coalition of First Nations, municipalities and environmental activists marked the second anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster by calling on the provincial government to put a stop to uranium exploration in Quebec.
Right now, there are no uranium mines in the province, and the government has pledged to hold hearings on the issue before allowing a mine to proceed.
However, coalition spokesman Ugo Lapointe says the government is sending a mixed message, by promising hearings even as it grants permits for uranium exploration.
"There is a danger," Lapointe said. "You send a signal that you want it."
The Marois government's first move after taking office last September was to announce it would shut down the Gentilly-2 nuclear power station, and Lapointe says it would be illogical for the government to now allow the mining of the radioactive element necessary for nuclear energy production.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission granted a uranium exploration license to Strateco Resources last October, to allow the company to do advanced exploration for uranium at the Matoush site in the Otish Mountains, about 210 kilometres northeast of Mistissini. Que.
The exploration company is eager to proceed. It launched a lawsuit against the Quebec government in January to try to force the government to make a decision — and to ask the court to void a condition created by the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement requiring the company to demonstrate the project has the support of the Grand Council of the Crees.
The Grand Council of the Crees is strongly opposed to the project.
"We'll do whatever it takes to stop uranium development on our traditional territory," said Shawn Iserhoff, chief of the Mistissini Cree youth council.
Iserhoff says the Mistissini Crees do not oppose all mining, but the short-term economic benefits of uranium mining do not outweigh its long-term environmental and health risks.
If Quebec does allow the Matoush project to proceed, Strateco Resources would be required by law to set aside $30 million to defray the costs of future environmental damage.
However, Lapointe says that measure offers little reassurance.
He said the Matoush project would involve the creation of some two million tonnes of radioactive waste which would have to be stored on Cree territory.
"How much money is necessary to repair the damage that could be caused by a radioactive spill, which would affect not just the aquatic environment but wildlife as well?" Lapointe asked.
youth council chief of the Mistissini Cree and, to his right, by Ghislain Picard,
Chief of the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.
A coalition of First Nations, municipalities and environmental activists marked the second anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster by calling on the provincial government to put a stop to uranium exploration in Quebec. |
However, coalition spokesman Ugo Lapointe says the government is sending a mixed message, by promising hearings even as it grants permits for uranium exploration.
"There is a danger," Lapointe said. "You send a signal that you want it."
The Marois government's first move after taking office last September was to announce it would shut down the Gentilly-2 nuclear power station, and Lapointe says it would be illogical for the government to now allow the mining of the radioactive element necessary for nuclear energy production.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission granted a uranium exploration license to Strateco Resources last October, to allow the company to do advanced exploration for uranium at the Matoush site in the Otish Mountains, about 210 kilometres northeast of Mistissini. Que.
The exploration company is eager to proceed. It launched a lawsuit against the Quebec government in January to try to force the government to make a decision — and to ask the court to void a condition created by the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement requiring the company to demonstrate the project has the support of the Grand Council of the Crees.
The Grand Council of the Crees is strongly opposed to the project.
"We'll do whatever it takes to stop uranium development on our traditional territory," said Shawn Iserhoff, chief of the Mistissini Cree youth council.
Iserhoff says the Mistissini Crees do not oppose all mining, but the short-term economic benefits of uranium mining do not outweigh its long-term environmental and health risks.
If Quebec does allow the Matoush project to proceed, Strateco Resources would be required by law to set aside $30 million to defray the costs of future environmental damage.
However, Lapointe says that measure offers little reassurance.
He said the Matoush project would involve the creation of some two million tonnes of radioactive waste which would have to be stored on Cree territory.
"How much money is necessary to repair the damage that could be caused by a radioactive spill, which would affect not just the aquatic environment but wildlife as well?" Lapointe asked.
______________________________
| Cardinal Communications, Inc. | |
Uranium Exploration:
Mistissini Says "No" and Calls for a Moratorium
MISTISSINI, EEYOU ISTCHEE--(Marketwire - June 5, 2012) - The Chief of Cree Nation of Mistissini, Richard Shecapio, made it clear at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's (CNSC) public hearing, held today (June 5) in Mistissini, that his community is firmly against uranium development in Eeyou Istchee. « We want to put an end to the question of uranium development once and for all, right now. We know where this is going and we don't want any uranium mining at all », said Chief Shecapio.
This hearing concerns Strateco Resources Inc.'s (Strateco) application for a licence to develop an underground exploration program at the Matoush Project, located approximately 260 kilometres north of Chibougamau, Québec. In November 2010, the Cree Nation of Mistissini expressed that this project did not have the support of the community. This position was reasserted again in 2011. Today, the Chief confirmed that nothing has changed and that the Cree Nation of Mistissini's position on uranium remains unchanged.
A moratorium
Chief Shecapio explained that his Council intends to do « whatever it takes » to implement a moratorium on uranium development. «In light of the lack of social acceptability, cultural incompatibility and the lack of a clear understanding of the health and environmental impacts of uranium mining, it would be reckless for us as a people to move forward and allow the licensing of Strateco's advanced exploration project. We are seeking a moratorium on uranium mining and exploration on our traditional lands as well as in the province of Quebec », said Chief Shecapio.
In his oral presentation at the hearings, Chief Shecapio explained that the Crees «have always been the guardians and protectors of the land and will continue to be. For the Crees of Mistissini, the land is a school of its own and the resources of the land are the material and supplies they need. Cree traplines are the classrooms. What is taught on these traplines to the youth is the Cree way of life, which means living in harmony with nature. This form of education ensures ou survival as a people. Any form of education that leads to survival is a high standard of education. Cree form of education teaches us to be humble, respectful, responsible, disciplined, independent, sharing and compassionate ».
« Because our people are still active on the land, hunting, trapping and consuming the animals, we are concerned that traditional foods may become contaminated with radionuclides, posing a threat to those who eat them. High levels of radionuclides in moose and caribou tissues have been reported in animals near uranium mines. This indirect exposure can lead to serious health issues for the people who eat contaminated animals>>, expressed Chief Shecapio.
The CNSC, along with Canadian environmental agencies have concluded that this project presents low risk to the environmental and human health. This, however, has not been effectively demonstrated to the people of the Cree nation of Mistissini. If this project goes ahead, the perception of the contamination it will cause will permanently impact the relationship that the Cree of Mistissini have with their land with long term impacts on hunting, fishing and trapping.
No nuclear development
Another point Mistissini opposes is Quebec's investment in the future of nuclear energy. « We do not believe that nuclear energy, which is the primary use for uranium in Canada, is a sustainable form of energy. We do not want to see a resource extracted from our land be responsible for causing pollution and waste. We do not want this to be our impact on the world. The Crees have already sacrificed a great deal, including their rights and their land, for one source of clean and abundant renewable energy: hydroelectricity », added Richard Shecapio.
Lack of communication
Although still in the early phases of its implementation, Strateco's efforts to engage the community since the signing of the CIA have not been, and remain out of synch with the community's expectations. « We signed a Communication and Information Agreement with Strateco in December in good faith, in order to give them the opportunity to do what they should have been doing since 2006 : to address my people's concerns with this project. Nothing, however has changed since the signing of the agreement. Strateco does not have and has never had our support for the Matoush project despite what they may have announced to their investors », said Chief Shecapio.
Uranium mining is not locally accepted in Eeyou Istchee. It was standing room only in the arena where the June 5th hearing was held with community members unable to attend tuning in from home and work to listen to the proceedings on the local FM radio.
« Strateco Resources is far from having the Cree Nation of Mistissini's consent to proceed with this project. We hope for the recognition and respect of our community's concerns and position by the Commission Tribunal in taking its final decision on the issuance of a license to Strateco Resources », concluded Richard
Background:
"High level radioactive waste" is a term that the nuclear
industry reserves for irradiated nuclear fuel, whether in
solid form or in liquid form (post-reprocessing waste).
When nuclear fuel is irradiated in a nuclear reactor,
hundreds of new radioactive elements are created.
Collectively,they are million of times more radioactive
than the nuclear fuel itself was, before it was irradiated.
The new radioactive materials fall into three categories:
(1) fission products (these are the broken pieces of uranium
or plutonium atoms that have been "split" or "fissioned")
(2) transuranic actinides (these are atoms that are heavier
than uranium due to neutron absorption), and (3) activation
products (these are created when non-radioactive atoms
absorb stray neutrons and become radioactive).
The fission products include radioactive gases like xenon,
argon and krypton, as well as radioactive vapours and solids
like cesium-137, iodine-129 and strontium-90. The transuranic
actinides include isotopes of plutonium, neptunium, curium,
and americium -- these are highly radiotoxic materials which
remain dangerous, in most cases, for millennia. Activation
products include radioactive varieties of hydrogen (called
"tritium"), carbon (carbon-14), iron, zirconium, and even lead.
Reprocessing irradiated fuel is carried out for the purpose
of extracting some of the radioactive byproducts from the
irradiated nuclear fuel, for military of industrial use.
Reprocessing requires dissolving the irradiated nuclear fuel
in boiling nitric acid, creating an intensely radioactive and
highly corrosive liquid which is active in many ways: it
is radioactive, meaning that news "decay products" are
being produced on a continual basis; it is chemically
meaning that fragments of atoms called "ions" are
combining to form new compounds, creating a thick
radioactive sludge and in some cases releasing hydrogen
gas; and it is thermally active, means that heat is being
generated because of the energy of ongoing radioactive
disintegrations and exothermic chemical reactions.
Generally speaking, high-level radioactive liquid waste is
among the most toxic materials on the plant. A single
gallon would be enough to ruin an entire city's water
supply.
That is why liquid high-level radioactive waste has never
been transported over public roads in North America until
now. And that is why many groups in the USA and Canada
are opposed to the current plan to begin transporting small
quantities of liquid high-level radioactive waste from Chalk
River, Ontario, to Savannah River, South Carolina. These
transport would last for about 4 or 5 years, with one or two
truckloads per week.
The Hanford tanks contain high-level radioactive liquid wastes
left over from the extraction of plutonium as a nuclear explosive
material to be used in nuclear weapons. The Chalk River
high-level radioactive liquid waste is left over from the
extraction of medical isotopes.
The Government of Canada has pledged to discontinue the
extraction of medical isotopes from irradiated nuclear fuel
by 2016, and is subsidizing the development of alternative
ways of producing medical isotopes that will not require the
use of nuclear reactors or the reprocessing of irradiated fuel.
Gordon Edwards.
Nuclear Waste Site at Risk of
Hydrogen Explosion, Report Warns
Following report of leaks, nuclear safety board
finds dangerous hydrogen build up in waste
holding tanks
- Lauren McCauley, staff writer, Common Dreams, April 3, 2013
![]()
Storage tanks at Hanford Nuclear Reservation
(Photo: Philo Nordlund via Flickr)
Tanks at the Hanford Nuclear Reservation which
sits on the Columbia River in Benton County,
Washington face dangerous risk of hydrogen
build up which could trigger an explosion of
radioactive materials, a nuclear safety board
announced on Monday.
The Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board expressed these concerns in a briefing letter to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, who sought the board's review ahead of next week's confirmation hearing for President Obama's Energy Secretary nominee Ernest J. Moniz—a known nuclear-hawk.
The board expressed concern over the potential for hydrogen gas buildup within the underground tanks, particularly those "double wall" tanks which contain the highly radioactive material that was previously pumped out of leaking single-shell tanks.
"All the double-shell tanks contain waste that continuously generates some flammable gas," the board said. "This gas will eventually reach flammable conditions if adequate ventilation is not provided."
Earlier this year, investigators found six single-shelled underground storage tanks leaking up to 1,000 gallons of radioactive sludge each year—a situation that noted theoretical physicist Michio Kaku called a "ticking time bomb."
According to the Associated Press, officials have known about the explosive potential of the hydrogen gas build up and last fall the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board recommended additional monitoring and ventilation of the tanks, which federal officials have been working to implement.
Federal officials have thus far evaded any long term, sustainable clean up of the 56 million gallons of highly radioactive material currently held at the former Manhattan Project site.
During their review, the board also noted that the waste treatment plant, which is currently being constructed for long-term waste disposal, faces serious technical problems which could lead to "chemical explosions, inadvertent nuclear reactions and mechanical breakdowns," the New York Times reports.
Background:
High-level radioactive waste is the most dangerous material
on earth. It has never been transported in liquid form over
Canadian or American roads and bridges. Why should it be
done for the first time now, without any public consultation or
detailed consideration of alternatives?
If the goal is to eliminate the storage of weapons-grade
uranium in liquid form, that goal can be accomplished
on site without any transportation of the liquid material.
All that's needed is to mix enough liquid depleted uranium
in with the liquid HEU liquid, so that the uranium left in the
liquid form is no longer weapons-usable
Another alternative is solidification of the high-level liquid
waste -- something that AECL has already been doing for
the last decade, since the storage of this waste material in
liquid form was discontinued.
The members of the nuclear priesthood should no longer
be given carte blanche by our governments to pursue their
own self-serving agendas without full public scrutiny.
Chalk River scientists just want to get the waste out of sight
and out of mind, while Savannah River scientists see
the liquid waste from Canada as a business opportunity to
keep their liquid reprocessing facility busy and flush with cash.
These are paltry motives that do not justify this risky venture.
Gordon Edwards, Ph.D., President,
Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility.
Notes from Robert Alvarez:
According to the Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD:
"It should be noted that liquid HLW must be solidified prior
to its transport, packaging, or disposal. "
According to the IAEA: "However, it is generally thought
that storage of high-level waste in the liquid form should
be only an interim measure and that solidification of the
waste should be undertaken when practicable.
Solidification will reduce the mobility of the waste and its
potential for
dispersion. Furthermore, the solid form will
be more suitable for transportation, storage and/or disposal." http://www.iaea.org/
High-level radioactive waste is the most dangerous material
on earth. It has never been transported in liquid form over
Canadian or American roads and bridges. Why should it be
done for the first time now, without any public consultation or
detailed consideration of alternatives?
If the goal is to eliminate the storage of weapons-grade
uranium in liquid form, that goal can be accomplished
on site without any transportation of the liquid material.
All that's needed is to mix enough liquid depleted uranium
in with the liquid HEU liquid, so that the uranium left in the
liquid form is no longer weapons-usable
Another alternative is solidification of the high-level liquid
waste -- something that AECL has already been doing for
the last decade, since the storage of this waste material in
liquid form was discontinued.
The members of the nuclear priesthood should no longer
be given carte blanche by our governments to pursue their
own self-serving agendas without full public scrutiny.
Chalk River scientists just want to get the waste out of sight
and out of mind, while Savannah River scientists see
the liquid waste from Canada as a business opportunity to
keep their liquid reprocessing facility busy and flush with cash.
These are paltry motives that do not justify this risky venture.
Gordon Edwards, Ph.D., President,
Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility.
Notes from Robert Alvarez:
According to the Nuclear Energy Agency of the OECD:
"It should be noted that liquid HLW must be solidified prior
to its transport, packaging, or disposal. "
According to the IAEA: "However, it is generally thought
that storage of high-level waste in the liquid form should
be only an interim measure and that solidification of the
waste should be undertaken when practicable.
Solidification will reduce the mobility of the waste and its
potential for
dispersion. Furthermore, the solid form will
be more suitable for transportation, storage and/or disposal." http://www.iaea.org/
==============================
Augusta (Georgia) Chronicle (Augusta, Georgia is about 20 miles from SRS)
Canada to ship highly enriched uranium
(HEU) to Savannah River Site (SRS)
Savannah River Site’s H Canyon processing plant will expand its operations to accommodate 23,000 liters of liquid radioactive material from Canada, according to the U.S. Energy Department.
The material from Atomic Energy Canada Limited’s Chalk River Laboratory is included in a nonproliferation effort aimed at recovering U.S.-origin highly enriched uranium distributed to research facilities in other countries.
The Canadian lab used highly enriched uranium for decades to produce molybdenum-99, a source of technetium for medical diagnostic procedures. The process involved dissolving targets in acid, which yields a highly radioactive liquid that contains highly enriched uranium.
The department said a contract has been signed in which Canada will pay $60 million over four years for SRS to receive and downblend the liquid, beginning as early as this year.
Jim Giusti, an Energy Department spokesman, said the assignment to downblend the highly enriched uranium into low enriched uranium for use in commercial reactor fuel is good news for workers assigned to the facility.
“This could definitely help the H Canyon staff to mitigate the impacts of sequestration and continuing resolutions,” he said.
The facility creates about 750 direct jobs and employs almost 1,100 workers if support service personnel in other areas are included.
The 23,000 liters of liquid radioactive material will be trucked to SRS in specially designed shipping containers, but the routes, quantities and shipping dates are kept secret.
“It would be shipped in Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensed containers and according to Department of Transportation regulations when in the U.S.,” Giusti said, and shipment plans will be coordinated with law enforcement and transportation officials in states along the route.
Processing the Canadian material will also generate more radioactive waste at SRS.
Estimates indicate that the 23,000 liters, once processed, would create about 1.5 million gallons of low-level waste that would be disposed of in the site’s Saltsone Facility; and enough high-level waste to fill an additional 24 steel canisters produced by the site’s Defense Waste Processing Facility.
Those quantities translate to about one additional month of operation for the Defense Waste Processing Facility and two additional months of work for the saltstone facility.
Tom Clements, the Southeastern nuclear campaign coordinator for Friends of the Earth, believes the Canada project is more about bringing money to SRS than safeguarding bomb-grade materials.
“A decision by the U.S. Department of Energy to import 23,000 liters of liquid high-level waste from Canada is being presented as a nonproliferation effort, but in reality it is a waste-management issue in Canada and a monetary issue at the Savannah River Site,” Clements said, adding that Canada “is dumping their problem on SRS.”
Importing the Canadian material required amending Savannah River Site’s Spent Nuclear Fuel Environmental Impact Statement, which also provides authority to accelerate processing of spent nuclear fuel already stored on-site.
Currently, spent fuel recovered from foreign and domestic research reactors has been stored in the site’s L Basin, which is expected to reach capacity by 2016.
The amended spent nuclear fuel plan will allow the department to process enough material through 2018 to free up storage space in L Basin for additional nuclear material to be brought to South Carolina.
Freeing up storage space by processing more material will avoid the need to modify or expand the L-Basin storage facility, saving about $40 million, the department said.
The plan to send the material to South Carolina originated in March 2012, when a commitment was made between Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada and President Obama at the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Association of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador
The AFNQL strongly objects to the
exploration and mining of uranium
Press Release from AFNQL, April 1, 2013
http://tinyurl.com/buq28wa
Wendake, QC, March 28, 2013 – Assembled in the Abenaki community of Odanak on March 13 2013, the Chiefs of the AFNQL adopted a resolution which strongly and definitively opposes the exploration and exploitation of uranium.
“The exploration and exploitation of uranium constitute major and irreversible health hazards to our populations, our territories and the resources it contains. The First Nations have the most sacred duty to protect their populations, their territories and their resources”, stated Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.
“I also encourage all the First Nations to clearly and publicly demonstrate their opposition to the exploration and exploitation of uranium on their territories”, concluded Chief Picard.
The AFNQL supports the coalition of more than 300 localities throughout Quebec calling for a moratorium on the exploration and exploitation of uranium.
About the AFNQL
The AFNQL is the regional organization regrouping the
43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.
For information: www.apnql-afnql.
A two-day Symposium on "The Medical
and Ecological Consequences of the
Fukushima Nuclear Accident" was held
at the New York Academy of Medicine
on March 11 and 12, 2013.
This presentation by Arnie Gundersen
at the New York Symposium on March 11,
2013, is highly recommended viewing for
anyone who hopes to get a better under-
standing of the health and environmental
impacts of the Fukushima disaster --
exactly two years earlier to the day.
Many experts, both inside and outside the
nuclear establishment, believe that the
offsite radioactive contamination from the
Chernobyl disaster was greater than that
from the Fukushima disaster.
This seems hard to believe since Chernobyl
represented a single core meltdown whereas
Fukushima involved three core meltdowns --
not to mention the releases from spent fuel
pools that were left open to the atmosphere
after the explosions at Fukushima destroyed
the outer shells of reactor buildings.
But analysts say that most of the radioactivity
released from Fukushima went out over the
Pacific ocean, whereas Chernobyl was land-
locked and most of the radioactivity came
down in areas that were cultivated and/or
inhabited.
Moreover, analysts believe that about 90%
of the radioactive cesium (one of the worst
offenders in terms of biological damage and
environmental contamination) in each of the
Fukushima reactor cores was probably
prevented from escaping to the atmosphere
because of filtration by water stored in the
"torus" (doughnut-shaped structure) near
the bottom of each Fukushima reactor vessel.
But Gundersen observes that, if the water in
the torus was boiling due to the enormous
heat of the core melting (the ceramic fuel melts
at a temperature of 5000 degrees F or 2800
degrees C) then there would be virtually NO
retention of radioactive cesium in the torus.
Consequently cesium emissions at Fukushima
were likely much higher than estimated so far,
up to 10 times higher in fact. This would tip
the balance, making offsite radioactive
contamination from Fukushima much greater
than that from Chernobyl.
Gordon Edwards.
Reply
Forward
Gordon Edwards
Mar 29 (11 days ago)
to Gordon
Please discard the last e-mail I sent with
this subject line.
The internet link provided in that message
is incorrect.
The following text contains the correct link.
G.E.
==============================
Background:
A two-day Symposium on "The Medical
and Ecological Consequences of the
Fukushima Nuclear Accident" was held
at the New York Academy of Medicine
on March 11 and 12, 2013.
This presentation by Arnie Gundersen
at the New York Symposium on March 11,
2013, is highly recommended viewing for
anyone who hopes to get a better under-
standing of the health and environmental
impacts of the Fukushima disaster --
exactly two years earlier to the day.
Many experts, both inside and outside the
nuclear establishment, believe that the
offsite radioactive contamination from the
Chernobyl disaster was greater than that
from the Fukushima disaster.
This seems hard to believe since Chernobyl
represented a single core meltdown whereas
Fukushima involved three core meltdowns --
not to mention the releases from spent fuel
pools that were left open to the atmosphere
after the explosions at Fukushima destroyed
the outer shells of reactor buildings.
But analysts say that most of the radioactivity
released from Fukushima went out over the
Pacific ocean, whereas Chernobyl was land-
locked and most of the radioactivity came
down in areas that were cultivated and/or
inhabited.
Moreover, analysts believe that about 90%
of the radioactive cesium (one of the worst
offenders in terms of biological damage and
environmental contamination) in each of the
Fukushima reactor cores was probably
prevented from escaping to the atmosphere
because of filtration by water stored in the
"torus" (doughnut-shaped structure) near
the bottom of each Fukushima reactor vessel.
But Gundersen observes that, if the water in
the torus was boiling due to the enormous
heat of the core melting (the ceramic fuel melts
at a temperature of 5000 degrees F or 2800
degrees C) then there would be virtually NO
retention of radioactive cesium in the torus.
Consequently cesium emissions at Fukushima
were likely much higher than estimated so far,
up to 10 times higher in fact. This would tip
the balance, making offsite radioactive
contamination from Fukushima much greater
than that from Chernobyl.
Gordon Edwards.
Background:
The Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program (NLLP) was established
by the Federal Government to try to deal with the incredibly
complicated radioactive waste and decommissioning problems
created by AECL (Atomic Energy of Canada Limited) over the
decades. [See http://www.
Until last week, the total cost of this program was estimated
be about $7 billion -- spread over 70 years. Already AECL is
in the eighth year of this taxpayer funded make-work project (NLLP)
to repackage and consolidate various forms of liquid and solid
radioactive wastes and to dismantle dangerously radioactive
buildings which in turn produces even more radioactive rubble
to deal with. So far all of this work has been done on the Chalk
River site only.
But there are three "prototype" nuclear power reactors owned
by AECL -- the Gentilly-1 reactor in Quebec, the Douglas Point
reactor on the Bruce site in Ontario, and the NPD (Nuclear Power
Demonstration) reactor at Rolphton on the OPttawa River -- which
will also have to be dismantled at federal taxpayer's public expense
This "dismantling" work is included in the "package" of AECL's
nuclear legacy liabilities -- but so far, NONE of the money allocated
to AECL under the NLLP has been spent on these three reactor
carcasses.
Last week AECL "suddenly" announced that they were adding
$2.4 billion to their estimated expenditures under the NLLP.
This announcement just about eradicated the "deficit reductions"
that the Harper Conservative government was hoping to announce.
Yet nobody in Parliament or in Government seriously questions
AECL about this gross over-spending on or gross under-estimating
of liabilities. And since the three reactors -- each of them has
been shut down for decades and should be ready for dismantling
-- have not ever been realistically addressed by AECL, you can be
sure that AECL will be back again for even more billions when
the time comes to face the music on reactor decommissioning.
Just over a year ago, in February 2012, AECL's "Low Level
Radioactive Waste Organization" suddenly added $1 billion to
the estimated cost of consolidating the radioactive wastes in
Port Hope Ontario after decades of neglect. The cost went,
overnight, from $800 million to $1.8 billion -- more than double.
No explanation, no accounting, no inquiry, and no argument
from the federal government -- just hand over the money, boys.
There seems to be no accountability in the nuclear industry. No
one is ever disciplined or fined or charged or even demoted when
things go wrong. There is no independent auditing -- from people
totally outside the Canadian nuclear establishment -- into the
billions of dollars of cost over-runs that are charged to the public
purse.
The attitude seems to be, "What the hell, it's not our money, it's
just the taxpayer's money -- and if the taxpayer's are not upset
about it, why should we be?"
Gordon Edwards.
==============================
AECL review forces federal
nuclear liability to increase
by $2.4 billion
by Heather Scoffield The Canadian Press, Wed Mar 20, 2013
/
Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. quietly announced Tuesday night
that the anticipated long-term cost for cleaning up its nuclear
program has surged to a total of $5 billion, up 67 per cent from
the $3.6 billion that is currently on the books. The Canadian Press
by Heather Scoffield The Canadian Press, Published on Wed Mar 20 2013
OTTAWA—A sudden $2.4-billion revision to Canada’s nuclear liabilities has crept up on Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and substantially deepened the deficit for the current fiscal year at a time when he is trying desperately to whittle it down.
But analysts say there is probably enough wiggle room in the government numbers this year to absorb the $2.4 billion without throwing Flaherty’s longer-term deficit reduction plans too far off course.
Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. quietly announced Tuesday night that the anticipated long-term cost for cleaning up its nuclear program has surged to a total of $5 billion, up 67 per cent from the $3.6 billion that is currently on the books.
AECL said the increased liability will go straight to Ottawa’s bottom line, adding to the deficit of the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
AECL said previous estimates were out of date and the indirect costs of disposing of radioactive waste over the next 70 years have climbed.
“The main reason for the liability adjustment is an increase in the indirect costs attributed to the decommissioning and waste management over the period of up to 70 years of the program,” the AECL statement explains.
It’s no coincidence that word of the large increase in liability is coming out just before Flaherty tables the spring budget, says Peter DeVries, an Ottawa-based consultant and former senior official at the Department of Finance.
“They want to book it now, in 2012-13, because the year is nearly over. They want to get it out of the way,” DeVries said in an interview.
The 2012-13 fiscal year ends on March 31 and the $2.4 billion will show up as a one-time hit on the government’s books for that year only — even though the money won’t actually be spent for years.
Indeed, before the AECL news, the federal government was probably on track to come in a couple of billion dollars ahead of where they had projected last fall, added Toronto-Dominion Bank economist Derek Burleton.
“Based on this year’s fiscal monitor results, they may have some wiggle room.”
So even though the revised AECL liability will set them back $2.4 billion, Ottawa is better off booking it this year than next year, he said.
That’s because economic growth is projected to slow more than Ottawa had expected next year, eating into federal revenues and making it difficult for Flaherty to get ahead, Burleton said.
Flaherty had previously projected a deficit of $26 billion for this fiscal year and many had expected him to beat that projection by a couple of billion dollars. Now that the increased AECL liability has been thrown into the mix, he will probably be close to his initial $26 billion when he tables the budget on Thursday, Burleton added.
Wendake, QC, March 28, 2013 – Assembled in the Abenaki community of Odanak on March 13 2013, the Chiefs of the AFNQL adopted a resolution which strongly and definitively opposes the exploration and exploitation of uranium.
“The exploration and exploitation of uranium constitute major and irreversible health hazards to our populations, our territories and the resources it contains. The First Nations have the most sacred duty to protect their populations, their territories and their resources”, stated Ghislain Picard, Chief of the AFNQL.
“I also encourage all the First Nations to clearly and publicly demonstrate their opposition to the exploration and exploitation of uranium on their territories”, concluded Chief Picard.
The AFNQL supports the coalition of more than 300 localities throughout Quebec calling for a moratorium on the exploration and exploitation of uranium.
About the AFNQL
The AFNQL is the regional organization regrouping the
43 Chiefs of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.
For information: www.apnql-afnql.
Background:
A two-day Symposium on "The Medical
and Ecological Consequences of the
Fukushima Nuclear Accident" was held
at the New York Academy of Medicine
on March 11 and 12, 2013.
This presentation by Arnie Gundersen
at the New York Symposium on March 11,
2013, is highly recommended viewing for
anyone who hopes to get a better under-
standing of the health and environmental
impacts of the Fukushima disaster --
exactly two years earlier to the day.
Many experts, both inside and outside the
nuclear establishment, believe that the
offsite radioactive contamination from the
Chernobyl disaster was greater than that
from the Fukushima disaster.
This seems hard to believe since Chernobyl
represented a single core meltdown whereas
Fukushima involved three core meltdowns --
not to mention the releases from spent fuel
pools that were left open to the atmosphere
after the explosions at Fukushima destroyed
the outer shells of reactor buildings.
But analysts say that most of the radioactivity
released from Fukushima went out over the
Pacific ocean, whereas Chernobyl was land-
locked and most of the radioactivity came
down in areas that were cultivated and/or
inhabited.
Moreover, analysts believe that about 90%
of the radioactive cesium (one of the worst
offenders in terms of biological damage and
environmental contamination) in each of the
Fukushima reactor cores was probably
prevented from escaping to the atmosphere
because of filtration by water stored in the
"torus" (doughnut-shaped structure) near
the bottom of each Fukushima reactor vessel.
But Gundersen observes that, if the water in
the torus was boiling due to the enormous
heat of the core melting (the ceramic fuel melts
at a temperature of 5000 degrees F or 2800
degrees C) then there would be virtually NO
retention of radioactive cesium in the torus.
Consequently cesium emissions at Fukushima
were likely much higher than estimated so far,
up to 10 times higher in fact. This would tip
the balance, making offsite radioactive
contamination from Fukushima much greater
than that from Chernobyl.
Gordon Edwards.
| Reply | Forward |
|
Mar 29 (11 days ago)
| | ||
| ||||
Please discard the last e-mail I sent with
this subject line.
The internet link provided in that message
is incorrect.
The following text contains the correct link.
G.E.
==============================
A two-day Symposium on "The Medical
and Ecological Consequences of the
Fukushima Nuclear Accident" was held
at the New York Academy of Medicine
on March 11 and 12, 2013.
This presentation by Arnie Gundersen
at the New York Symposium on March 11,
2013, is highly recommended viewing for
anyone who hopes to get a better under-
standing of the health and environmental
impacts of the Fukushima disaster --
exactly two years earlier to the day.
Many experts, both inside and outside the
nuclear establishment, believe that the
offsite radioactive contamination from the
Chernobyl disaster was greater than that
from the Fukushima disaster.
This seems hard to believe since Chernobyl
represented a single core meltdown whereas
Fukushima involved three core meltdowns --
not to mention the releases from spent fuel
pools that were left open to the atmosphere
after the explosions at Fukushima destroyed
the outer shells of reactor buildings.
But analysts say that most of the radioactivity
released from Fukushima went out over the
Pacific ocean, whereas Chernobyl was land-
locked and most of the radioactivity came
down in areas that were cultivated and/or
inhabited.
Moreover, analysts believe that about 90%
of the radioactive cesium (one of the worst
offenders in terms of biological damage and
environmental contamination) in each of the
Fukushima reactor cores was probably
prevented from escaping to the atmosphere
because of filtration by water stored in the
"torus" (doughnut-shaped structure) near
the bottom of each Fukushima reactor vessel.
But Gundersen observes that, if the water in
the torus was boiling due to the enormous
heat of the core melting (the ceramic fuel melts
at a temperature of 5000 degrees F or 2800
degrees C) then there would be virtually NO
retention of radioactive cesium in the torus.
Consequently cesium emissions at Fukushima
were likely much higher than estimated so far,
up to 10 times higher in fact. This would tip
the balance, making offsite radioactive
contamination from Fukushima much greater
than that from Chernobyl.
Gordon Edwards.
Background:
The Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program (NLLP) was established
by the Federal Government to try to deal with the incredibly
complicated radioactive waste and decommissioning problems
created by AECL (Atomic Energy of Canada Limited) over the
decades. [See http://www.
for the program, http://www.ccnr.org/
insight into the radioactive sacrifice area that is Chalk River.]
Until last week, the total cost of this program was estimated
be about $7 billion -- spread over 70 years. Already AECL is
in the eighth year of this taxpayer funded make-work project (NLLP)
to repackage and consolidate various forms of liquid and solid
radioactive wastes and to dismantle dangerously radioactive
buildings which in turn produces even more radioactive rubble
to deal with. So far all of this work has been done on the Chalk
River site only.
But there are three "prototype" nuclear power reactors owned
by AECL -- the Gentilly-1 reactor in Quebec, the Douglas Point
reactor on the Bruce site in Ontario, and the NPD (Nuclear Power
Demonstration) reactor at Rolphton on the OPttawa River -- which
will also have to be dismantled at federal taxpayer's public expense
This "dismantling" work is included in the "package" of AECL's
nuclear legacy liabilities -- but so far, NONE of the money allocated
to AECL under the NLLP has been spent on these three reactor
carcasses.
Last week AECL "suddenly" announced that they were adding
$2.4 billion to their estimated expenditures under the NLLP.
This announcement just about eradicated the "deficit reductions"
that the Harper Conservative government was hoping to announce.
Yet nobody in Parliament or in Government seriously questions
AECL about this gross over-spending on or gross under-estimating
of liabilities. And since the three reactors -- each of them has
been shut down for decades and should be ready for dismantling
-- have not ever been realistically addressed by AECL, you can be
sure that AECL will be back again for even more billions when
the time comes to face the music on reactor decommissioning.
Just over a year ago, in February 2012, AECL's "Low Level
Radioactive Waste Organization" suddenly added $1 billion to
the estimated cost of consolidating the radioactive wastes in
Port Hope Ontario after decades of neglect. The cost went,
overnight, from $800 million to $1.8 billion -- more than double.
No explanation, no accounting, no inquiry, and no argument
from the federal government -- just hand over the money, boys.
There seems to be no accountability in the nuclear industry. No
one is ever disciplined or fined or charged or even demoted when
things go wrong. There is no independent auditing -- from people
totally outside the Canadian nuclear establishment -- into the
billions of dollars of cost over-runs that are charged to the public
purse.
The attitude seems to be, "What the hell, it's not our money, it's
just the taxpayer's money -- and if the taxpayer's are not upset
about it, why should we be?"
Gordon Edwards.
==============================
AECL review forces federal
nuclear liability to increase
by $2.4 billion
by Heather Scoffield The Canadian Press, Wed Mar 20, 2013
/
Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. quietly announced Tuesday night
that the anticipated long-term cost for cleaning up its nuclear
program has surged to a total of $5 billion, up 67 per cent from
the $3.6 billion that is currently on the books. The Canadian Press
by Heather Scoffield The Canadian Press, Published on Wed Mar 20 2013
OTTAWA—A sudden $2.4-billion revision to Canada’s nuclear liabilities has crept up on Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and substantially deepened the deficit for the current fiscal year at a time when he is trying desperately to whittle it down.
But analysts say there is probably enough wiggle room in the government numbers this year to absorb the $2.4 billion without throwing Flaherty’s longer-term deficit reduction plans too far off course.
Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. quietly announced Tuesday night that the anticipated long-term cost for cleaning up its nuclear program has surged to a total of $5 billion, up 67 per cent from the $3.6 billion that is currently on the books.
AECL said the increased liability will go straight to Ottawa’s bottom line, adding to the deficit of the 2012-2013 fiscal year.
AECL said previous estimates were out of date and the indirect costs of disposing of radioactive waste over the next 70 years have climbed.
“The main reason for the liability adjustment is an increase in the indirect costs attributed to the decommissioning and waste management over the period of up to 70 years of the program,” the AECL statement explains.
It’s no coincidence that word of the large increase in liability is coming out just before Flaherty tables the spring budget, says Peter DeVries, an Ottawa-based consultant and former senior official at the Department of Finance.
“They want to book it now, in 2012-13, because the year is nearly over. They want to get it out of the way,” DeVries said in an interview.
The 2012-13 fiscal year ends on March 31 and the $2.4 billion will show up as a one-time hit on the government’s books for that year only — even though the money won’t actually be spent for years.
Indeed, before the AECL news, the federal government was probably on track to come in a couple of billion dollars ahead of where they had projected last fall, added Toronto-Dominion Bank economist Derek Burleton.
“Based on this year’s fiscal monitor results, they may have some wiggle room.”
So even though the revised AECL liability will set them back $2.4 billion, Ottawa is better off booking it this year than next year, he said.
That’s because economic growth is projected to slow more than Ottawa had expected next year, eating into federal revenues and making it difficult for Flaherty to get ahead, Burleton said.
Flaherty had previously projected a deficit of $26 billion for this fiscal year and many had expected him to beat that projection by a couple of billion dollars. Now that the increased AECL liability has been thrown into the mix, he will probably be close to his initial $26 billion when he tables the budget on Thursday, Burleton added.
