Great Lakes Nuclear Hot Spots Map

May 6: Great Lakes United (GLU) and the International Institute of Concern for Public Health (IICPH) released the Great Lakes Nuclear Hot Spots Map, providing a detailed regional, binational view of nuclear facilities in the Great Lakes Region. The map indicates that, with the exception of Lake Superior, each of the Great Lakes has numerous nuclear sites related to nuclear power generation, most of which are located within one kilometer of the Lakes. The groups said, "This raises concerns about the cumulative impacts of radioactive releases over the years from so many sites. It also shows the numerous places where a serious nuclear accident could occur in the region."

 

    The map marks the first comprehensive update of the information in 15 years and highlights the lack of information about radioactive releases from these facilities. In 1998, the International Joint Commission's (IJC) Task Force on Inventory of Radionuclides released an assessment of nuclear facilities around the basin. At the time, the Task Force concluded that releases from nuclear facilities were substantial, but that the extent of knowledge about the releases and their impacts was "limited." Additionally, the map includes all aspects of nuclear power production in the Great Lakes region, including the 38 operating nuclear power plants, 12 closed plants, and four new plants proposed in Canada. It also includes the facilities that process uranium ore and manufacture the pellets, as well as tailings sites from uranium mining from mining, and facilities that store, and dispose of radioactive waste. Every site on the map is a radioactive waste site, whether operating or not.

 

    Access a release from GLC and link to the121-page, 1997-98 IJC report (click here). Access the nuclear hot spots map (click here). [GLakes/Nuclear]