Site selection for Canada's national repository for used nuclear fuel

Abstract

In 2007, the Government of Canada selected Adaptive Phased Management as Canada's plan for the long-term management of Canada's used nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository, located in an informed and willing host community. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is tasked through federal legislation to recommend a preferred approach for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel, and implement Canada's plan as selected by the Government of Canada. The process of site selection represents the next important milestone for the Canadian program. In May 2010, after a two-year process of collaborative development with citizens, the NWMO published the site selection process. This process serves as the road map for decision-making on the location for the deep geological repository. Experience working with communities in the early steps of the site selection process has yielded some important insights going forward. These insights are briefly described as we look at the road ahead.