I am not an expert of any kind related to this development, but as an area resident I have observed this project as it has evolved to present and attempted to inform myself about the project and what efforts have been made at transparent public engagement.

Generally, I am opposed to this development – though I acknowledge the horrendous situation society has created for our descendants with this waste and the need for some form of proper disposal.  I oppose this proposed project for a number of reasons.

First – have people somehow forgotten the damage to the English and Wabigoon River systems, or the Albany and Cat Rivers, or the Ogoki and the Little Jackfish?  The impact of the damage is still being felt, and it is still being inflicted.   Canada and Ontario excluded Treaty partners with these developments over a century ago, and they continue to violate said Treaties today as they continue to exclude affected indigenous Treaty partners.

The people and environment of northwestern Ontario have already sacrificed significantly - far more than their share - towards the development and subsequent generations of hydro-electric power generation for the benefit primarily of others from outside the region and the resource extraction industries of mining and forestry.  Often the people who lived here were the last ones to receive even the benefit of some of the electricity generated from the projects which destroyed their homelands and livelihoods. The damming and flooding of these systems drastically altered drainage systems and overall landscapes, and essentially destroyed the land-based economies of thousands of people. 

The people of this area have already more than paid their fair share towards the energy independence of Ontario.  And they have certainly more than paid for any small portion of that power which they have used for themselves.

We must not forget the negative impact on generations of people who lived, and continue to live, along the English, Wabigoon, Cat, Albany, Ogoki, and Little Jackfish River systems.

I believe that the burial of these dangerous waste products should occur close to where the power is generated.  Burial of wastes near or adjacent to where they are generated is consistent with what occurred here in northern Ontario with hydro electric power development, where residents continue to live with the diminished environments (the waste) left behind by hydroelectric development.

My second comment is that it appears - by all accounts of others who have greater understanding of the project and science than myself -- that the project description does not contain sufficient detail to satisfy a thorough and rigorous review.  A number of people and groups are indicating that project information is lacking, and that should concern everyone.

My third comment is concerning the review and public examination of the transportation of the waste, which should be required for any serious project.  NOT completing a full public review is simply irresponsible in my mind.

We should be considering responsible proposals only.