NWMO Logo - (Supplied photo)
Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has started to collect feedback to help shape its approach to selecting the next deep geological repository to manage radioactive waste.
The NWMO has released a discussion document on its proposed approach for selecting the next repository location.
The organization is inviting feedback from all Canadians.
According to the NWMO, the second repository will contain and isolate intermediate and non-fuel high-level radioactive waste, and potentially used nuclear fuel from new reactors built in Canada in the future.
Intermediate-level waste includes equipment and components that have been used inside nuclear reactors in the production of electricity from nuclear fuel, but excludes nuclear fuel itself, which is high-level waste.
“Non-fuel high-level nuclear waste includes small quantities of materials used in the process of making medical isotopes,” explained the NWMO in a release. “Many isotopes are used for cancer treatments, diagnosis and sterilization of medical equipment.”
The waste set for the planned second repository is currently stored at an interim location, which is not suitable for very long-term use.
“Like many countries with commercial nuclear power programs, Canada is planning for the future,” said President and CEO Laurie Swami. “There is international scientific consensus that a deep geological repository is the safest way to manage intermediate and high-level waste over the long term.”
The first repository host location, Ignace and the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation, was selected in November 2024.
It will store used nuclear fuel from nuclear generating stations that have closed down or are currently in operation.
The NWMO plans to begin a multi-year federal regulatory process to independently confirm the safety of the first repository before the project proceeds.
For the second repository, the NWMO will continue to focus on technical safety and community willingness as primary site selection criteria.
The site selection process for the next repository is scheduled to begin in 2028.
More information on the process and how to provide feedback can be found by clicking here.
