Rep. Roberts Opposes Canadian Nuclear Waste Site

State Rep. Sarah Roberts, D-St. Clair Shores, has introduced a resolution in the Michigan House of Representatives urging Congress to oppose Ontario Power Generation's proposed underground nuclear waste repository in Ontario, Canada. 

According to a release, the long-term storage site is being proposed to store low and intermediate levels of radioactive waste near Lake Huron's Canadian shore.

The repository would be less than a mile from the shore, and 440 yards below lake level.

"Millions of Michigan citizens who live downstream from the proposed radioactive waste site get their drinking water from Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair," Roberts said in a release. "This site is dangerously risky to the public's health and the quality of our water. I just don't understand their logic."

Roberts stated that drinking water, tourism and agriculture could be impacted if the site leaks. Her resolution is similar to one passed by the Michigan Senate which "urged careful review of the proposed underground nuclear waste repository in Ontario" according to a release.  

The resolution introduced by Roberts asks Congress to oppose the planned repository and seek other alternatives. 

"Along with Canada, we have a responsibility to protect our Great Lakes water and the health of Michigan's citizens now and for future generations," Roberts continued.

In comparison, Michigan law prohibits the disposal of radioactive waste of any site within 10 miles of the Great Lakes.