Response to “Cameco, Sierra Club Face Off Over Uranium Licenses”
October 2, 2013
Article by The Star Phoenix
October 1, 2013
October 2, 2013
Editor-in-chief
The Star Phoenix
204 5th Avenue North
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
S7K 2PI
Dear Editor,
The Sierra Club’s allegations about Cameco’s effluent (“Cameco, Sierra Club face off over uranium licenses,” October 1, 2013) do not stand up against the evidence.
Cameco periodically reports its monitoring data to Environment Canada, which publishes these data on its web site. They clearly show that Cameco’s effluent discharges do not exceed regulatory limits. In fact, they very often are a small fraction of what the government will allow.
I am surprised that the Sierra Club would not check these facts before making its questionable allegations. They should substantiate their claims. The simple reality is that Cameco maintains a strong performance record in environmental protection.
The uranium mining sector has been rated higher than any other mining sector for its compliance with the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations. These regulations limit effluent discharges into local bodies of water. Cameco exemplifies the industry’s top performance. Its Key Lake, McArthur River and Rabbit Lake operations, all ISO-14001 certified, are good examples of Cameco’s continual improvements in preventing pollution and protecting the environment.
Cameco has a solid record of environmental performance. This undisputable fact should have been recognized and, if anything, applauded by organizations such as the Sierra Club.
Yours sincerely,
Heather Kleb
Interim President and CEO
