To the editor:
With respect to a recent letter to the editor (Has anyone clearly defined when they will stop being concerned about nuclear waste) regarding a clear definition of when people will stop being concerned about nuclear waste, which is a sign that protestors have finally got the attention of those who just don't care about other people's concerns.
I don't know how long you have studied the pros and cons about nuclear waste, but I'm confident that you have been blindsided about some very important concerns. These are not radical concerns. No, we are not all scientists, but there has been scientific studies conducted that indicate imperfections in the design of the copper storage containers after 20 years of testing. This concern will be inherited by our children and grandchildren. This may not be important to you, but it is to me.
As professional as our transport drivers may be, the numerous mishaps along our northern highways indicate that even the best professionals can cause accidents, mishaps or fatalities when transporting their goods. This may not be important to you, but it is to me.
The latest 'proximity principle' and 'reasonable person test' puts to question of the probability of mishaps that the longer period of time that the product is en route, the greater the chance of mishaps. This may not be important to you, but it is to me.
Then there are costs, which not too much comment has been made. Let's be reasonable. Do you think that transporting a product about 1700-1800 km. will have the same costs as travelling about 200-300 km? I don't believe so.
And who will pick up these added costs? It certainly won't be the government or the power generating producers. In fact, these costs will be recaptured by power generating suppliers who will tack on extra charges, charge higher rates for power consumption and delivery just to cover their added expenses.
Power generating producers are business people who need revenues to stay in business. The greater the costs for transportation; the greater the costs will be made to our hydro bills. This may not be important to you, but it is important to me.
So when you ask if there is a clear and defined time when people will stop being concerned about nuclear waste, my answer is "yes" - when NWMO and our federal government start to listen to the voice of protesters and keep the nuclear waste closer to where it was produced.
I hope that I have answered your question.
Ed Dunnill
