Media Release: Citizens group welcomes decision by nuclear safety regulator to host hearing for nuclear fuel manufacturer in local community

Media Release

Peterborough, ON – Canada’s nuclear safety regulator will move its licensing hearing for a nuclear fuel manufacturing facility to Peterborough after a local citizens group questioned why it was to be held in Toronto and not the local community.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s announcement to move the hearing to Peterborough came in response to a letter from the Citizens Against Radioactive Neighbourhoods (CARN), represented by the Canadian Environmental Law Association, arguing that a duty of fairness was owed to the citizens of Peterborough whose rights, health and environment stand to be affected by the licensing decision.

If approved, nuclear fuel manufacturer BWXT would have the flexibility to move their uranium fuel pelleting operations from its current Toronto location to Peterborough. As the project will not undergo a federal environmental assessment, the Commission’s hearing is the public’s only means of participating in the decision-making process. CARN was particularly concerned that a hearing in Toronto would impede Peterborough citizens’ ability to participate and effectively remove the local voice, concerns and knowledge from the purview of the Commission.

CELA joins CARN in welcoming the Commissions’ reconsideration of this matter. It is of central importance to advancing environmental justice that those with direct knowledge and interest in matters have a say in environmental decision-making.

– 30 –

Contact:
Kerrie Blaise, Legal Counsel
416-960-2284 ext. 7224
kerrie@cela.ca