The Nuclear Waste Management Organization hired SNC Lavalin to work on the proposed $23 billion Deep Geologic Repository for spent nuclear fuel between 2009 and and 2011
Last week, the federal elections commission reported SNC-Lavalin has admitted to breaking Canadian election law by funneling almost $118,000 to the federal Liberals and Conservatives between 2004 and 2011.
However, NWMO Spokesman Brad Hammond says they have full confidence their procurement process ensures they hire the best company for the job.
He explains, "Whether it is scientific, or social, or on repository design or transportation of used fuel, that involved looking for the best research possible. And that is always something that we would do, and that's why the RFP (request for proposal) system is designed to find the best people, the best organizations, the best research possible at the best value for the organization as we look to implement this plan."
Hammond adds the value of the previous contractual relationship between SNC and the NWMO is commercially sensitive and as such that information is not released publicly.
"So, in the past, certainly the NWMO has worked with SNC lavalin, as we work with many other firms. But as to matters that are related to SNC Lavalin, and some of the items that were brought up in your (Blackburn News Midwestern Ontario: Scandal Plagued SNC Lavalin Involved In DGR For High Level Nuclear Waste ) story earlier today, I think it would be inappropriate to comment, other than to say that we have full confidence in our procurement process."
SNC-Lavalin was responsible for estimating costs for final design, construction, operation, extended monitoring, decommissioning and closure of the spent fuel facility and for the used fuel transportation system.
The Adaptive Phased Management Plan has narrowed down the list of possible sites for the huge deep underground storage facility to nine possibilities including South Bruce, Central Huron and Huron Kinloss.
A site isn't expected to be selected until 2023.
Meantime, Ontario Power Generation is planning to build a second Deep Geologic Repository for low and medium level nuclear waste in Kincardine.
Click on Links below for Past Stories Involving search for site for Nuclear Waste Storage:
New Document Lays Out The Site Selection Process For Nuclear Waste
Environment Minister Responds To Concerns About Planned Kincardine Nuclear Burial Site
Environment Minister Asked To Merge Two Proposed Nuclear Waste Burial Sites
http://blackburnnews.com/midwestern-ontario/midwestern-ontario-news/2016/07/27/concerned-citizen-calls-opg-nuclear-waste-studies-sham/
Port Elgin Man Wants Inquiry Into Canada’s Nuclear Regulators
Letter Questions Integrity Of Nuclear Licensing Hearings