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PRESS RELEASE
Ottawa, ON – May 19, 2009 (http://www.ottawariverkeeper.ca) – On the heels of yet another leak at the Chalk River nuclear reactor (operated by Atomic Energy Canada Limited – AECL), Ottawa Riverkeeper, Meredith Brown, is calling for increased scrutiny of the aging facility and the need for an independent, science-based review on the impacts of continuously dumping tritium into the Ottawa River.
“We’re hearing about these leaks in the context of medical isotope shortages and power outages, and little focus is being drawn to the long term environmental and health risks associated with operating a nuclear reactor on the banks of the Ottawa River”, says Brown.
Following a series of “heavy water” leaks earlier this year, the Riverkeeper addressed public statements that the leaks posed no threat to human health or the environment, and released her findings on the alarming amount of tritium being dumped into the Ottawa River. “NRU (the reactor at Chalk River) is once again leaking heavy water contaminated with tritium, at a rate of about 5 kg/hr. Although reports indicate the heavy water is being contained, we know from previous leaks that AECL has no hesitation about dumping this contaminated radioactive water into our river, the drinking water source for millions of people”.
Ottawa Riverkeeper is concerned and wants to know how many more leaks the regulator will continue to tolerate. “When will increased controls and regulations be put in place? And how many more instances of tritium being dumped into the Ottawa River will we tolerate?”. Brown adds, “to date, no one has thoroughly studied the long-term human health impacts associated with drinking elevated levels of tritium (a highly carcinogenic and radioactive material). As long as AECL continues to operate the NRU, and continues to release radioactive bi-products into the river, there is great cause for concern”.
Brown is stepping up her ongoing campaign to advocate for more transparency, accountability and public consultation. “I strongly believe that the public has a right to know the facts when it comes to issues that impact public health and the environment. Furthermore, the CNSC has an obligation to supply the public with objective scientific information. It’s time for an independent review on the impacts of drinking elevated levels of tritium”, she says.
For more information, please contact:
Natasha Wilson
Ottawa Riverkeeper
613-321-1120 / 613-324-9118
communications@ottawariverkeeper.ca