PORT HOPE – The Government of Canada has confirmed its ongoing support for the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) to clean up local low-level radioactive wastes. Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland–Quinte West, speaking on behalf of The Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources, today announced that the federal government has approved another $30 million in funding to move the PHAI projects forward.
"The Government of Canada made a promise to the people of the Port Hope region, and we're keeping that promise," said Mr. Norlock. "We have a solution in place to deliver a plan for a cleaner environment in the communities of Port Hope and Clarington. This is another example of the Government of Canada's commitment to a cleaner environment."
The PHAI projects are being carried out in three phases. Phase I involves environmental and technical studies, extensive public consultation and licensing to receive the regulatory approvals necessary to begin the clean-up. Phase II covers the implementation of the clean-up, including the construction of long-term waste management facilities. Phase III will involve long-term monitoring of the waste management facilities.
"This funding represents a real milestone in the project – we're a big step closer to implementing the clean-up," said Port Hope Mayor Linda Thompson.
"This is good news for everyone in the area. We are pleased to know that the Government of Canada is still committed to this project," added Clarington Mayor Jim Abernethy.
In 2001, the Government of Canada committed $260 million as part of the Port Hope Area Initiative to implement locally developed solutions for the safe clean-up and long-term management of low-level radioactive waste in the Port Hope area.
The waste originated from a refinery operated by Eldorado Nuclear, a former Crown corporation, beginning in the 1930s. The Government of Canada has designated the Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Office (LLRWMO) as its project proponent. The LLRWMO is a branch of Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and was created specifically to manage the low-level radioactive waste that Canada has agreed to clean up.
The Government of Canada is providing $30 million as part of the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) to clean up local low-level radioactive wastes. The government has committed $260 million to implement locally developed solutions to clean up the waste from a refinery operated by Eldorado Nuclear, a former Crown corporation.
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