ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, January 1, 1997 TAG: 9701020019
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-5 EDITION: HOLIDAY
DATELINE: OTTAWA
Canada may become the disposal ground for highly radioactive plutonium from dismantled American and Russian nuclear weapons.
A government-owned corporation, Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., agreed this month to accept tiny amounts of plutonium from the United States - probably an ounce or two, initially - to be burned in an experimental research reactor in Chalk River, Ontario, according to officials.
But the ounces could become tons. Although the plan is subject to environmental review, and is sure to draw political fire, Canada has agreed in principle to accept some or all of the plutonium that the United States and Russia have agreed to destroy under arms-reduction accords.
If the tests prove successful, substantial quantities of plutonium from US warheads could end up serving as fuel in commercial reactors across Ontario. Canada might accept more than 100 tons of plutonium from warheads over the next 25 years.
The plutonium would be burned in nuclear reactors and encased in ceramic before being buried deep underground. This is regarded as the safest way to dispose of the dangerous radioactive material.
``We think it is a worthwhile project for Canada to help out,'' said Canadian Environmental Minister Segio Marchi. ``I'm not sure we are going to take every last ounce of plutonium, but Canada is prepared to use its industry, use its technology and use its honest broker role in the international community to the advantage of that community.''
- The Boston Globe
LENGTH: Short : 37 linesby CNB