Not enough information being shared, Waterkeeper says in Pickering Nuclear Generating Station preliminary submission
The current operating licence for the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (PNGS) is set to expire in August 2018. As Ontario Power Generation (OPG) applies for a licence renewal, Swim Drink Fish received funding to commission expert reviews of local water quality and ecosystem impacts of the PNGS.
With expert assistance, Swim Drink Fish planned to submit recommendations for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) Tribunal to consider during its review of the PNGS licence conditions.
However, Swim Drink Fish’s experts found insufficient publicly available information to inform their work. Despite requesting additional information, OPG withholds vital information about the environmental impacts of the PNGS.
The persisting information deficit has prevented Swim Drink Fish from being able to fulfill its obligations under its agreement with the CNSC. A week ago, the CNSC Secretariat granted Swim Drink Fish an extension until May 18th, but asked for a preliminary submission.
Swim Drink Fish’s May 18th submission will include the expert testimony as well as legal arguments concerning the PNGS’ impacts on the swimmability, drinkability and fishability of Lake Ontario.
See the complete preliminary submission below.