Only the processes of nature, over many thousands of years, can render radioactivity harmless. Everywhere uranium mining, milling and refining has occurred, extensive environmental contamination has resulted. Uranium mining and milling wastes have been indiscriminately used as fill material leaving roads, schools, homes and buildings radioactive in Uranium City, Saskatchewan and Port Hope, Ontario, which have required extensive and expensive clean-up measures. No insurance company in Canada will insure property owners against loss or damage caused by radioactive contamination. There are very few fish left in the entire 55-mile stretch downstream from the mining operations.
Present technologies are unable to permanently contain the wastes.
The accident occurred as a result of faults in design, construction and operation and points out that licensing and surveillance of even the newest uranium waste storage facilities are not adequate. Accidents have also occurred at mines in the Northern Territory of Australia, Colorado, Ontario and in northern Saskatchewan. There Is No Safe Technology Present storage technologies are incapable of preventing the eventual spread of radioactivity and toxic substances into the environment. They would all require maintenance and surveillance in perpetuity. The basis of these technologies must therefore be seen as nothing more than economic expedience.