Elliot Lake mayor Dan Marchisella is correcting a misconception on how nuclear waste will be stored. Elliot Lake is one of four Algoma communities kept on a short list to continue learning about Canada’s plan for managing used nuclear fuel. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization is still years away from making a final decision. But Marchisella says that hasn’t stopped people from jumping to their own conclusions on where the waste will be buried. He says some believe the waste will be stored on the outskirts of town while some believe it will be buried right in the community. In fact, if Elliot Lake is chosen, the underground vault would be 50 to 90 kilometres north of the community. Marchisella says just because the community remains on the short list to host the waste doesn’t make it so. He says there are many studies and tests that need to be done before a host community is chosen. He says the biggest thing the Nuclear Waste Management Organization has to determine is the suitability of the environment and the ability for the granite to accept the depository. Marchisella says so far about 75 percent of the public reaction he’s heard favours Elliot Lake accepting the waste. He says that’s based on the economic benefits. The remainder are opposed because of the possible health and environmental effects. Blind River also remains on the list to accept the waste.
