F.A.R.E. has received unexpected support for its position that the CNSC needs to answer the public's concerns about enriched uranium.

The team of consultants hired by the Municipality of Port Hope to evaluate Cameco's environmental self-assessment has told town council that key questions remain unanswered that affect the municipality's "ability to ensure the health and safety of its citizens."

The report also acknowledges for the first time that "public opposition to the project ... has grown."

The report, by Jacques Whitford and Associates, prompted town administrator Mike Rostetter to write the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission on July 14. The letter asks the federal regulator to "commit to a more thorough assessment of these residual issues in the screening process." It asked for an answer by July 19, although it has not yet been received.

The Jacques Whitford report says if the CNSC will not act on the town's request, council should call on the Minister of the Environment to order a higher level of review than the present screening process. This could include either a mediation or a panel review.

The report notes that "it is unlikely that the mediation process would provide a level of public participation that many members of the public are seeking."

Council discussed the Jacques Whitford report in a closed session last night, and released it immediately afterwards.

It says that Cameco's narrow interpretation of the CNSC screening process has resulted in public concerns "not being adequately addressed."

It cites four key areas of municipal concern have not been dealt with in the screening document now being prepared by CNSC:

. The incremental effects of handling and using SEU.

. A discussion of extra security put in place to guard against terrorism at Cameco's site since 2001.

. The safety and security of the transportation of enriched uranium to the site, and the blended SEU from Cameco to Zircatec.

. How changes to the fire protection and emergency response at Cameco will affect the municipality.

These and other issues need addressing, the Whitford report says, because of "the high level of sustained public concern over the project."

F.A.R.E. urges town council to act on the report immediately.

 

The full letter from Jacques Whitford can be read by clicking 'this PDF file'

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