Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Statement on Federal Court ruling on Life-extension of Darlington Reactors (Press Release)
NOVEMBER 26, 2014 (Toronto) – In a ruling dated November 25, 2014, the Federal Court has decided against overturning an environmental assessment on Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) proposal to extend the life of the four aging Darlington reactors.
Take the water safety challenge this June
June means trips to the water to swim, kayak, paddle board, and more. This means it’s the perfect time to remind yourself how to stay safe on the water.
Environmentalists in court to demand proper review of nuclear risks
Lawyers for environmental groups ask a Federal Court today to order the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to redo its environmental review of Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) plan to rebuild and run the aging Darlington nuclear reactors for three more decades.
Waterkeeper submits concerns with Darlington Refurbishment Follow-Up Program
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission invited the public to comment on a draft follow-up program for the refurbishment of the Darlington Nuclear Power Plant. Here's what we said:
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper has concerns about the Project, the Follow-Up Program, and this review process. We are very concerned about the environmental impacts of the Project, and we are not at all satisfied that the Follow-Up Program will protect Lake Ontario.
Darlington nuclear project kills fish, wastes water: Waterkeeper warns federal commission
“Darlington nuclear kills fish. Lots of them. The only reason the plant kills fish is because Canada’s nuclear safety regulator has been unwilling to tell Ontario Power Generation it’s time to join the 21st Century,” says Waterkeeper Mark Mattson.
Waterkeeper's presentation to the CNSC, Darlington Refurbishment hearing
Darlington is one of the largest nuclear power plants in North America. The plant has an outdated open cycle, or “once-through” cooling water system. It’s the most destructive cooling technology option available. It kills fish and it wastes water.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Hearing into Darlington nuclear refurbishment begins Monday, interview opportunities available
“There is no evidence that refurbishing Darlington nuclear is the right choice for Ontario,” says Waterkeeper Mark Mattson. “Unfortunately, no one is willing to talk about whether Ontarians really need this project. So on Monday, it is Waterkeeper’s job to show up and remind people that the Darlington nuclear plant kills fish. It wastes water. And it doesn’t have to be this way.”
7 things you need to know about the Darlington nuclear refurbishment
Two hundred people will gather at Hope Fellowship Church in Southern Ontario next week to discuss how to rebuild Lake Ontario's largest nuclear power plant. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is holding a three-day hearing to assess the impacts of the plant before issuing an operating licence. CNSC staff, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) staff, and some 93 intervenors will make presentations on December 3, 4, 5, and 6.
How many dead fish would be "significant"?
CNSC staff are asking Commissioners, acting together with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, to allow OPG to operate a “once-through” cooling system. This outdated system will suck in water from Lake Ontario to cool the nuclear reactors, then discharge warmed water back to the lake all day every day for a half-century.