PORT HOPE - Canada's New Government has concluded,
following an environmental assessment, that the project to clean up
contaminated soil in the Municipality of Port Hope may now proceed to the
next step.
The Long-Term Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Project would clean
up wastes and contaminated soil in the municipality resulting from
industrial processes dating back to the early 1930s. In addition, it would
involve the construction of a facility to manage the wastes over the long
term.
"I'm really pleased that the project can move ahead to the next step
of this process," said Rick Norlock, M.P. for Northumberland-Quinte
West, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources.
"Canada's New Government is committed to delivering clean air, land,
water and energy to ensure a clean, healthy environment for Canadians."
The project was initiated through an agreement signed in March 2001
between the Government of Canada and the former municipalities of Port Hope,
Hope Township and Clarington. The Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management
Office (LLRWMO), acting as an agent of the Government, manages the project.
The environmental assessment conducted by the Government under the Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act included broad consultation with the
community as well as with technical experts from the provincial and federal
governments at each stage. Based on this assessment, the Government has
decided that the proposed project is not likely to cause significant adverse
environmental effects, provided the appropriate mitigation measures are
implemented.
The LLRWMO can now seek the required regulatory approvals that will
enable the proposed project to proceed.
Copies of the Government’s environmental assessment report are
available on the public registry for the Port Hope Project and from the
following addresses:
For information, media may contact:
