A northwestern Ontario First Nation neighborhood has voted to proceed with the method that might see a nuclear waste deep geological repository constructed on its territory.
Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation stated in a media launch issued Monday that neighborhood members have voted sure in a willingness referendum.
“The sure vote doesn’t signify approval of the mission; quite, it demonstrates the Nation’s willingness to enter the following part of in-depth environmental and technical assessments, to find out security and web site suitability,” the discharge states.
In a press release, Wabigoon Lake Chief Clayton Wetelainen stated the neighborhood has been working with the Nuclear Waste Administration Group for greater than 12 years, which has enabled the neighborhood’s members and management to “totally look at” what a repository might imply for Wabigoon Lake.
The sure vote means the neighborhood will proceed right into a “web site characterization course of” for the doable repository, which is able to embody in-depth environmental and technical assessments to find out security and web site suitability, the discharge states.
In its personal media launch, the NWMO stated Wabigoon Lake is the second northwestern Ontario neighborhood that has voted to maneuver ahead with the method; Ignace residents additionally voted sure in July.
“We sincerely thank the members of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, Chief Wetelainen and Council for his or her considerate strategy and dedication to studying and engagement over the previous 12 years,” stated Lise Morton, vice-president of web site choice at NWMO stated in a press release.
The southwestern Ontario neighborhood of South Bruce has additionally agreed to maneuver ahead with the method.
Within the launch, the NWMO acknowledged that “Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation’s resolution doesn’t point out that the NWMO has chosen a web site for the deep geological repository. The NWMO will fastidiously contemplate this new data as a part of our ongoing web site choice resolution evaluation.”
The Township of Ignace expressed its “respect and admiration for the membership of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation” on Monday.
“We perceive that their resolution comes after considerate and thorough session with their neighborhood membership, cautious consideration of the long-term environmental and social impacts to the lands, and a deep dedication to securing a sustainable future for generations of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation peoples,” the township acknowledged. “The Ojibway Nation has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to accountable stewardship of the land, water and sources, and this resolution represents their dedication in figuring out what’s finest for his or her individuals and the setting.”
The NWMO has stated a web site needs to be chosen by the tip of the yr.
“As soon as a web site is chosen, the mission will enter a compulsory multi-year regulatory decision-making course of, together with an impression evaluation and licence functions,” the media launch states. “Led by the Influence Evaluation Company of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Security Fee, the impression evaluation offers a possibility for public participation and is designed to make sure the mission meets or exceeds strict regulatory standards to guard the well being, security and safety of individuals and the setting.”
Wabigoon Lake Obijway Nation is situated about 19 kilometres southeast of Dryden.
