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Groups Worry About Radioactive Substances Near Great Lakes

TRAVERSE CITY (AP) - Environmental groups in the U.S. and Canada are asking their federal governments to keep a closer eye on dangerous radioactive substances that could pollute the Great Lakes.

More than 100 organizations sent a letter Wednesday asking that radionuclides be listed among the region's designated "chemicals of mutual concern," which would require government agencies to monitor their movements and devise plans for keeping them out of the lakes.

A report prepared for the Canadian Environmental Law Association says more than 30 nuclear generating stations and sites for fuel processing and waste disposal are located near the lakes. Medical centers, universities and some industries also work with radioactive materials.

Report author John Jackson says as long as radioactive substances are shipped around the region, there's a danger of harmful spills.

© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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