Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
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 The plant has an outdated open cycle, or “once-through” cooling water system.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.”
Waterkeeper comments on the Draft Environmental Assessment Screening Report - Refurbishment and Continued Operation of the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station
The weaknesses and omissions contained in the Report cast a shadow over the entire environmental assessment process. Neither the EIS nor the Draft Screening Report provides a reasonable or credible basis for evaluating the environmental effects of Darlington’s once-through cooling system. The Report demonstrates that OPG, the CNSC, and DFO are either unwilling or unable to mitigate harm to fish and fish habitat on Lake Ontario. In light of these failings, Waterkeeper submits that a legitimate, reasonable, and informed decision is impossible without an independent, thorough review panel process.
Waterkeeper submits comments on Darlington nuclear station refurbishment
The proposal should be denied outright because it will cause significant adverse environmental effects that will not be mitigated and cannot be justified.
Concerns voiced over Island Airport EA
Lake Ontario Waterkeeper became concerned about the future of the Toronto Harbour when the Port Authority announced it wanted to build a bridge to the Toronto Island Airport. The bridge would help to expand airport activities - something that alarmed area residents. The bridge would also create a navigation problem for the many sailors, boaters, and tour boat companies that rely on the Western Gap to enter and exit the harbour.
We read the environmental assessment reports and found serious problems with the project. We also found the decision-making process to be flawed. This letter relays our concerns to the Toronto Port Authority.