Community Matters: Adding some facts into the nuclear waste and DGR discussion

One of the most popular terms used today in media commentary during various policy debates, is ‘alternative facts.’ While this term can be widely misused, there is no policy debate where it is more appropriate than that of nuclear waste.

Here are the facts:

• Nuclear power is low-cost
• Nuclear power creates thousands of jobs and grows the economy
• Nuclear keeps the air clean
• Nuclear enabled Ontario to phase out its coal plants
• Nuclear generates a very small volume of waste during its operation

Here are a few relatively-unknown facts about the waste debate:
 

• If you received 100 per cent of your lifetime energy needs from nuclear, the waste would fit into a pop can
• As directed by the federal government, the waste is fully funded through a segregated fund that is paid for as waste is generated – a future liability is not being created
• Waste is safely stored on the Bruce Nuclear site, and has been for more than 40 years

The issue of radiation is also often widely misunderstood. Did you know the waste generated by nuclear is less radioactive than the waste generated by coal plants? Fly ash from a coal plant carries 100 times more radiation into the environment than a nuclear plant, while generating the same amount of electricity. We understand radiation very well today, to the point where we use it to treat people with cancer. We also know how to manage it and monitor it – all of which is strictly regulated.

I share this fact not to be critical of another energy source but to reinforce the balance needed as part of a fact-based debate. Energy policy is about choices and we need to balance all factors. Simply put, having nuclear power as a key part of our supply mix, while responsibly managing waste, is the right thing to do.

Ontario Power Generation (OPG)’s proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) is an excellent example of our fact-based, carefully-regulated system at work. An independent, science-based Joint Review Panel concluded this is a safe and effective way to manage waste over the long-term. Facts and science matter, and we support the findings of this independent process. In addition, as an active member in the host region of the proposed DGR, we think it’s also important for us to recognize support from local municipalities and the commitment OPG has made to Indigenous communities moving forward.

This is why Bruce Power supports this project and Mike Rencheck, our president and chief executive officer, recently wrote to Canada’s environment and climate change minister as part of the public process to voice this support. OPG safely manages the waste we generate at Bruce Power – a role it has been successfully delivering for years. For more information on the DGR, visit www.opg.com/dgr.

If you have any questions, I can always be reached by E-mail at james.scongack@brucepower.com or on twitter @jscongack.