Special status, nuclear options

2 Replies to “Special status, nuclear options”

1. “Special status” is a humorous way to describe to the abusive relationship between Canada and the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

   As for nuclear locations. Northeast Saskatchewan near Nipawin would be an interesting location. There’s around 15000 people in 3 communities near Codette and Tobin, IIRC. It’s a bit of a rustic area but so was coronach before the coal mines and power plant were built. The drawback might be consent from the largish native community in the area and transmission line loss. I think new employment opportunities would be welcomed though.

   As for cooling water. Cooling directly into a large, deep water body is cheaper and simpler. The biggest environmental issues is thermal pollution but a longer cooling canal than Boundary Dam would be a simple solution. As noted, using a lake limits the location.

   A cooling tower like Shand with a recirculating pond system gives more location flexibility – placement near higher density populations and industry reduces line losses. The downside is that cooling towers plus man made ponds are more complex. In particular, machine and tower maintenance plus monitoring and adjusting water chemistry to prevent contaminants from cycling up.

2. FYI : Diefenbaker also had standing dead trees from the dam flooding. Not just dangerous for boating. Also a hazard for young people who on weekend boating and fishing trips might drink too much, climb the dead trees and jump off them like diving boards. How we avoided serious injuries in our teenage years is a complete mystery.