Nuclear material ok for great lakes

The Canadian Nuclear Safety commission has given approval to move nuclear material through the Great Lakes.

Bruce Power has been issued a transport licence to move 16 steam generators, each about the size of a delivery truck, from Owen Sound to Sweden to be recycled.

That would see radioactive material move through Georgian Bay, three of the great lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety commission was satisfied that Bruce Power’s application met Canadian and international regulations for the transport of nuclear substances.

The licence is valid for one year from last Friday, February 4th.

However, information from Atomic Energy of Canada showed the proposal exceeds limits for fresh water shipment of radioactive waste.

The commission calls the risk to the public and the environment negligible.

St. Catharines Mayor Brian McMullan and other Great Lakes mayors are worried about an accident and potential contamination of drinking water for 40 million Canadians and Americans.

The generators will be welded shut before they are shipped.

A spokesperson from Bruce Power indicates that there are still some approvals to be acquired.