The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Jonathon Naylor Editor Ever since Creighton became a potential storage site for nuclear waste, community engagement has been key. Which is why the Community Liaison Committee (CLC) was formed. Consisting of 14 members, the CLC is working to educate area residents about the nuclear waste proposal and answer the many questions that will invariably surface. Creighton is one of 21 Canadian communities presently working with Canada's Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO). In the coming years, one of those communities will be chosen as the site for a a deep geological repository, or DGR, which will store the nation's spent nuclear fuel rods underground. The Reminder recently interviewed CLC co-chair George Trevor, who offered his personal views and perceptions. *** REMINDER: As you know, many area residents are opposed to bringing the DGR to Creighton. Is there opposition within CLC or is it unanimously 'pro-repository'? Or is it neutral? TREVOR: I did not know that many area residents were opposed. I think some people have misconceptions about nuclear waste, or confuse nuclear waste with nuclear power. The members of the CLC are generally in favour of a DGR in our area. This is due to gaining an understanding of the risk, process and benefits to our community. REMINDER: Of the feedback that you and your committee have heard from the public, what percentage is for and what percentage is against? Do you think the percentage for will increase with greater public education? TREVOR: I would say of the people I talk to it is about 60 per cent for and the other 40 per cent either opposed or unsure. With greater public education I am certain public support will increase. See 'Waste...' on pg. 6 Continued from pg.3 REMINDER: Is it not possible to have a full understanding of the nuclear waste issue and still be genuinely opposed? How do you feel about people who hold that position? TREVOR: People are entitled to their own views and opinions; however, the byproducts of industry will always carry some hazard or risk. Our community is a perfect example of this. As we progress, things get safer and we lessen risk through improved technology and safety guidelines. Nuclear waste is no different. It exists and it needs to be stored in a long-term facility and I personally believe our community is where this facility should be. The issue is: how do we store this waste for the long term? If people are opposed to the waste being generated, it is the nuclear power industry that needs to be addressed. The waste exists and needs to get stored in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. The issue is: how do we store this waste for the long term? REMINDER: What are the biggest misconceptions about the DGR plan and how as co-chair do you respond to them? TREVOR: That nuclear waste is unmanageable and that it will pose a threat to our community. The best response is to encourage individuals to learn more about the process and risk involved. REMINDER: As you no doubt know, Premier Brad Wall has made public statements all but ruling out a repository in Saskatchewan. And if he loses the next election to the NDP, well, they are not at all shy about saying they oppose nuclear waste storage. With that said, how can you and your committee feel you are working toward something that is in any way realistic? TREVOR: This concerns me on several levels. First as a parent and educator, we try to teach children accountability. The uranium mining industry is a key part of the Saskatchewan economy. All of the uranium presently fueling Canadian nuclear power plants originates in Saskatchewan. To say we have no interest in the storage of wastes produced to me seems irresponsible, I think there needs to be some dialogue with the provincial governments to gain a greater understanding of their views on this issue. REMINDER: Why is a group like the CLC important in this process? What sort of specific activities have you done / will you do to promote public awareness? Can you speak about your recent trip? TREVOR: The CLC is a representative group of community members who other individuals can discuss the process of a DGR coming to our area with. As we are still in the relatively early stages of the process. We have had two open houses to inform the public of the proposed process and we hope the coverage in The Reminder will increase public awareness. Recently 10 members of the CLC went to the Darlington Nuclear facility (in Ontario) to see how nuclear waste in being stored in the short term, and met at the NWMO headquarters for an information / discussion session. REMINDER: How do you personally feel about the repository concept? As a science teacher at Hapnot Collegiate, do you feel you have a better grasp on this issue than most? TREVOR: I personally feel it is an incredible opportunity for our community, and as long as Canada has a nuclear power program, Canadians have a responsibility to deal with the waste with a long-term method. There is much more to the process than science. There is the science behind radioactive materials and their safe transportation and storage, but there is a huge social component as well. Educating people on the facts and thinking critically about those facts might be something my teaching background helps with. *** Besides Trevor, the CLC consists of Carl Lentowicz (mayor, Denare Beach); Kellie Beck (student rep); Kelly Fidler (community rep); Kari Lentowicz (community rep); Buz Trevor (community rep); Don Aasen (Creighton Town Council); Leslie Beck (community rep); Kory Eastman (community rep); Les Oystryk (community rep); Ron Black (community rep); Rod Gourlay (community rep); Joy Capyk (project administrator); and Skip Martin (Flin Flon City Council). Questions or concerns about the proposed DGR can be directed to the Town of Creighton or by calling 306-688-1200. The CLC's monthly meetings, held at the Creighton Town Council Chambers, are open to the public.
