Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation has confirmed that radioactive waste originating from an old mill near Lake Nipissing has been transported to the Sarnia area. This waste, which had been stored at the mill for 70 years and was initially intended for shipment near Sudbury, sparked a year-long public outcry from residents of Nairn and Hyman, a small township with around 400 inhabitants.
The radioactive tailings, containing low-level radiation due to trace amounts of uranium found in the ore, have been moved to Clean Harbors in Corunna, situated in St. Clair Township within Lambton County. The province altered its original disposal plans for the waste, opting for this new location.
Julia Casin, representing the transportation ministry, stated that a stockpile of niobium rock tailings was safely transported to Clean Harbors in July, adhering to all regulatory guidelines. Clean Harbors did not respond to CBC News’ request for comments.
The 18,600 cubic meters of tailings originated from the Nova Beaucage Mine near Lake Nipissing and had been stored at the mill near a residential area for seven decades. Casin emphasized the ministry’s commitment to maintaining strict safety and environmental standards when transporting niobium rock tailings, which are not deemed hazardous and are considered a low-risk operation by the province.
Nipissing First Nation Chief Cathy Stevens informed CBC News that the removal of the tailings is anticipated to be finished by the year’s end.