Decision on Lake Huron nuclear waste facility delayed until after election

Source: Globe and Mail

Federal Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq has delayed until after the fall election a controversial decision on whether to approve a proposed nuclear-waste facility on the shores of Lake Huron – an issue that has bitterly divided communities in the region.

A federal review panel recommended last month that the government approve the repository for low- and medium-level radioactive waste – to be built by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) on the site of the Bruce nuclear plant – subject to the provincial Crown corporation complying with nearly 100 conditions.

According to regulations, the minister was scheduled to give her answer by early September. Instead, the government launched a 90-day period during which the public can comment on the proposed conditions – extending the deadline for a decision until early December. The general election is set for late October.

“Isn’t it curious that this delay from the minister in providing a decision in September, now puts it forward to December, which falls after our federal election?” Beverly Fernandez, a leading opponent of the repository, said in an interview Sunday. “This continues to be a very contentious issue … and since the federal panel endorsed this plan and sent it to the federal minister’s desk for a decision, more and more Canadians are expressing deep concern and strong opposition.”

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Read more: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/decision-on-lake-huron-nuclear-waste-facility-delayed-until-after-election/article24838999/