The NWMO has released a discussion document outlining its proposed site-selection process for the second repository, which would house Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste. Potentially, the repository could also be used to dispose of spent fuel from new reactors built in the future, the NWMO said.
On November 28, 2024, the NWMO selected a site in northwestern Ontario for a deep geologic repository to hold the country’s SNF. The organization said it aims to begin the site selection process for this second repository in 2028.
“We are committed to seeking input from indigenous peoples from the very beginning of our site selection process for the next deep geological repository, and to forge relationships built upon trust and transparency,” said Joanne Jacyk, the NWMO’s director of site selection for the second repository project.
The process: The NWMO began its search for the first repository using a phased, adaptive approach in 2010 following a two-year dialogue with Canadians and indigenous peoples, along with input from specialists and outside organizations.
Initially, 22 communities expressed interest in learning more about hosting the repository. Those sites were narrowed down as they either withdrew from consideration or the site was deemed unsuitable.
The current selected site was chosen following the decision by the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the town of Ignace to be a willing host. The repository now must go through a regulatory review before becoming approved by the Canadian government.
As with the first repository, community willingness is a key requirement in this second site selection process, according to the NWMO.
The waste: Canada’s ILW and HLW is safely stored on an interim basis, but according to the NWMO, the methods used today are temporary and not suitable for the very long term.
ILW 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 HLW.
Nonfuel HLW may include, for example, small quantities of materials used in the process of making medical isotopes. Many isotopes are used for cancer treatments and diagnosis and sterilization of medical equipment.
