ST. CLAIR SHORES – In a YouTube video, state Representative Sarah Roberts (D-St. Clair Shores) urges citizens to join her in trying to stop Ontario Power Generation’s proposed underground nuclear waste repository in Ontario, Canada. The repository, or long-term storage site, is being proposed to store low and intermediate levels of radioactive waste less than one half mile from Lake Huron’s Canadian shore and only 440 yards below lake level. Radioactive waste can remain dangerous for about 100,000 years, contaminating the surrounding area if not properly contained. The YouTube video can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otMayg_4KXg.
“Millions of Michigan citizens live downstream from this proposed radioactive waste site and depend on Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair for their drinking water,” said Roberts. “A nuclear waste storage site this close to these lakes is dangerous and needs to be stopped.”
Roberts is also the sponsor of House Concurrent Resolution 7 asking Congress to oppose Ontario Power Generation’s planned repository and instead seek other alternatives. The intent of the resolution is for Canada to take into consideration the concerns of Michigan and the citizens of the United States.
Current Michigan law prohibits the disposal and storage of radioactive waste in a manner that would create a hazard to the public health, safety or welfare.