Informing the public is priority one for NWMO's proposed used-nuclear-fuel DGR

People have to learn about the proposed Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) for used-nuclear fuel, in order to make informed decisions about the project.
 

That's the priority for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) which continues its work on the Adaptive Phased Management plan for long-term management of used-nuclear fuel.
 

With two Bruce County municipalities - Huron-Kinloss and South Bruce – still among nine communities in the DGR siting process, officials from NWMO invited the local media to tour the current used-fuel dry storage facility at the Bruce Nuclear site March 17, followed by a presentation at the Best Western Plus Governor's Inn, that afternoon.
 

Kevin Orr, NWMO senior communications advisor, and Paul Austin, relationship manager, led the tour, while Mike Krizanc, communications manager, Ben Belfadhel, director, used fuel repository geoscience, and Jo-Ann Facella, director, social research and dialogue, gave the afternoon presentation.
 

During a recap of how the project had reached this stage, Krizanc emphasized that studies have shown that the DGR could be technologically safe and scientifically sound, but unless it were socially acceptable, it would never be built.
 

He said there are currently 2.4-million fuel bundles safely stored at seven nuclear facilities across Canada, including the Bruce Nuclear site. That would fill seven ice hockey rinks, from the ice surface to the top of the boards. Each four-unit station produces about 50 dry-storage containers per year, and each container holds 384 fuel bundles. If all the CANDU reactors in Canada ran to the end of their lifecycle, they would generate a total of 4.4-million fuel bundles.
 

The adaptive phased management process continues to provide information for the NWMO and for municipalities about this proposed project, said Krizanc.
 

“Nobody has said they want to host this DGR,” he said. “It's way too early to make that decision. But there are nine communities in Ontario that want to learn more about it.”
 

When asked about reprocessing of nuclear fuel, Krizanc said that if the federal government decides to consider that avenue, then the NWMO would be able to handle the nuclear waste. However, a separate Environmental Assessment would be required to do that.
 

Facella said nine communities – Ignace, Manitouwadge, Hornepayne, White River, Blind River, Elliot Lake, Huron-Kinloss, South Bruce and Central Huron – are still in the site-selection process. Huron-Kinloss and South Bruce are in Phase 2 of Stage 3 which could take seven to 10 years to complete. Once one site is selected, a detailed site characterization process begins which could take up to five years, involving heavy duty analysis and study at a cost of about $200-million.
 

Belfadhel emphasized the safety and security aspects that the site must demonstrate, with appropriate barriers to contain the high-level waste.
 

“What we are dealing with here is used-fuel pellets,” he said, “not a gooey liquid material that goes all over the place.”
 

“Without safety, nothing else matters,” added Facella. “The project will move ahead only with community well-being demonstrated, and only in a willing host community.”
 

“We're going to take the time to do this right,” said Krizanc. “The used-nuclear fuel is safely stored where it is, so from a technical safety standpoint, there is no urgency.”
 

That's why the NWMO stresses that people become informed about the project so they can make informed decisions about the proposed DGR.
 

To that effect, the NWMO is hosting an open house at the Lucknow Community Centre, Monday, March 30, from 1-8 p.m., and Tuesday, March 31, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The agency is hosting another open house at the Teeswater Community Hall, Wednesday, April 1, from 1-8 p.m., and Thursday, April 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.