County Opposes Nuclear Waste in Ontario

Grand Traverse County Commissioners have shown support for a resolution opposing a Canadian power plant’s proposal to bury waste from nuclear plants less than a mile from Lake Huron.

With no discussion, the board approved a resolution by Alpena and Bay counties to oppose the development of the planned facility near Kincardine, Ontario “because of the risk of polluting the Great Lakes and upsetting the ecosystem.” The resolution notes that storing low and intermediate level so close to Lake Huron, which contains 21 percent of the world’s fresh water supply, jeopardizes the ecosystem and is a risk that can not be afforded.

On Thursday, Rep. Dale Kildee (D) said he will sponsor legislation opposing the plan to bury the nuclear waste. His district includes a section of the lake’s shoreline. His resolution will urge President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry to take up the matter with the Ontario government.

Ontario Power Generation wants to entomb radioactive waste in rock chambers 2,230 feet below the surface of the earth. The company says the facility would be safe and wouldn’t leak. Opponents say there is no way to guarantee that and for thousands of years the waste will remain radioactive.