I hit a cloud on the way into work today.

A short time ago, I asked a straightforward question: “Are you for or against small modular nuclear reactors being built south of Macoun?” The results show 54% in favour, 42% opposed, and 2% uncertain. SaskPower is organizing community discussions to raise awareness and address any questions. These will take place in Macoun on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Happy Gang Centre. Additional drop-in sessions include: Tuesday, Oct. 27: Bienfait Legion (12:00 PM – 3:00 PM) Estevan Days Inn (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM) Wednesday, Oct. 28: Estevan Days Inn (8:00 AM – 10:30 AM) Torquay Community Centre (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM) Macoun Happy Gang Centre (4:30 PM – 7:30 PM) Thursday, Oct. 29: Midale Civic Centre (10:30 AM – 1:30 PM) Weyburn Legion (3:00 PM – 7:00 PM) The following passage is detailed yet useful. These are the reasons I have concerns about nuclear power stations. My questions appear at the end of the article. Nuclear Accidents in North America Radioactive tritium and cooling water leaks have been recorded at roughly 43 to 48 commercial nuclear power plant sites (about 75% of facilities) in the United States, along with fewer documented coolant line leaks or tube ruptures in Canada. Overview of Leaks in North AmericaUnited States: The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Associated Press reports indicate that 48 of 65 commercial U.S. nuclear sites (75%) have shown radioactive tritium or contaminated cooling water leaks, largely from corroded underground pipes, valves, or spent fuel pools. Among these, 37 facilities noted levels above federal drinking water standards on-site, yet regulators suggest most were contained or diluted rapidly without affecting public supplies. Canada: Notable historical coolant tube ruptures took place at Ontario’s Pickering plant (1974 and 1983), a partial coolant loss occurred at Chalk River (1952), and a minor internal leak appeared at New Brunswick’s Point Lepreau station (2022). In these Canadian instances, coolant was mostly contained or recovered within the sites, avoiding major external releases. Opinions on these figures differ: mainstream regulators highlight that minor system leaks are typical, strongly diluted, and safely held within plant limits, whereas environmental watchdogs cite aging infrastructure as a continuing and unacceptable threat to local groundwater. Major Canadian Nuclear IncidentsChalk River (1952 – NRX Reactor): Canada faced the world’s first major reactor partial meltdown on December 12, 1952. Human error and a power surge damaged the core, releasing 4.5 million litres of radioactive water into the basement. Future U.S. President Jimmy Carter belonged to the engineering team that assisted with the cleanup. Chalk River (1958 – NRU Reactor): A fuel rod jammed and caught fire on May 24, 1958, spreading radioactive smoke and dust through the building. Hundreds of military personnel and civilian staff were deployed for the response. Cosmos 954 (1978): A Soviet nuclear-powered satellite crashed into the Northwest Territories, scattering radioactive debris across the Arctic tundra. A joint Canadian-American military operation (Operation Morning Light) recovered the fragments. Pickering (1974 & 1983): Pressure tubes holding fuel rods ruptured at the Pickering plant east of Toronto. Coolant escaped in both events, but containment structures prevented uncontrolled environmental radiation releases. Darlington (2009): A heavy water and tritium release occurred at the Darlington station into Lake Ontario, though authorities reported no harm to the public or environment. What are KI pills? (Stable Iodine Tablets) Potassium iodide (KI) is a salt of stable iodine and is not harmful when taken as directed by a medical or public health official. KI pills are used to protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine that may be released into the air and environment during an unlikely nuclear emergency. KI pills reduce the risk of thyroid cancer for individuals who might inhale or ingest radioactive iodine during a nuclear emergency. While KI pills protect the thyroid gland from radioactive iodine, they are ineffective against other radioactive substances.These pills act as a protective measure during certain emergencies. KI pills may be used alone or alongside other steps, such as evacuation or sheltering in place. How do KI pills work? The thyroid gland naturally takes iodine from the blood. It cannot tell radioactive iodine apart from stable iodine. If radioactive iodine enters the body, the thyroid absorbs it easily. KI pills saturate the thyroid with stable iodine. Once full, the thyroid has no space for radioactive iodine in the blood. This limits radioactive iodine entering the thyroid and protects it. The process is known as iodine thyroid blocking. It is important to know that KI pills are not an antidote for radiation. Their protection applies only to the thyroid and only against radioactive iodine. Any radioactive iodine not absorbed will leave the body, mainly through urine, as it decays. When to take KI pills KI pills should be used only when medical or public health officials advise it. Follow the label or official instructions. Note that KI pills help only when significant radioactive iodine is present. Not all nuclear emergencies release radioactive iodine. Low risk of health effects The risk of health effects is very low for most people with normal thyroid function. Some people may face higher side effects, including those with thyroid conditions such as Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or iodine deficiency or sensitivity. When side effects occur, they are usually mild and temporary, such as: nausea, vomiting, or stomach ache diarrhea skin rash headacheIndividuals with certain conditions should consult a doctor before taking KI pills if possible: a known thyroid disorder an allergy to iodine a pre-existing medical condition People over 40 are less likely to gain benefit from KI pills. They face a much lower risk of thyroid cancer and may have other health issues. The advantages of KI pills during a nuclear emergency outweigh potential side effects for these groups: people under 40 women who are pregnant or breastfeeding individuals exposed to higher doses Neonates (birth to 1 month), pregnant and breastfeeding women, and older adults (over 60) should receive only one dose of KI pills. KI pills in Canada Licensees of nuclear power plants must ensure KI pills are pre-distributed to people living or working near a plant. Two provincial organizations have created a plan to meet this requirement: Emergency Management Ontario (EMO) New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization These groups collaborate with plant operators, local municipalities, and public health units to keep KI pills accessible to those who may need them. Personal property and home insurance is unavailable. Strict Exclusions: Standard home, auto, and business policies include a “nuclear exclusion clause,” which denies coverage for nuclear explosions, radiation leaks, or radioactive contamination. No Retail Options: Individual consumers cannot purchase private rider policies for household nuclear damage because the risk exceeds standard actuarial pools. Commercial and industrial nuclear coverage exists.Specialized Pools: Commercial nuclear power plants and industrial supply chains rely on dedicated insurance groups. In Canada, the Nuclear Insurance Association of Canada (NIAC) manages property and liability pooling for licensed operators, while American Nuclear Insurers offers comparable coverage in the United States. Government Backing: Because a catastrophic nuclear meltdown surpasses private market limits, national laws intervene. Canada applies the Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act, which sets absolute operator liability up to $1 billion with government supplementation, whereas the U.S. uses the Price-Anderson Act. Summary: With 75% of nuclear facilities in North America reporting radioactive leaks, omitting these details during public consultation is misleading. Previous consultations make it clear that the proposed SMRs are extremely safe—a point other nuclear project managers likely shared with their groups. Question 1: Stable iodine tablets are provided for emergencies to protect the thyroid, yet they are only safely effective for people with healthy thyroid glands. The radius from the plant receiving these pills remains unclear. Is Macoun within it? What about Hitchcock, Midale, or Estevan? Question 2: A nuclear disaster would leave your homeowners policy unable to protect you or your property. If nuclear power is now so safe, why has this not changed? Why do providers receive property and liability insurance while consumers do not? Although the Federal Government offers up to $1 billion in tax dollars for compensation, who determines coverage and amounts? Why is the general public not informed? Question 3: Will there be specialized training and equipment provided to local EMS? Who will be responsible for those costs?

The misconception of coal

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