A familiar nuclear conversation is resurfacing in South Bruce. Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organization is laying early groundwork to find a second deep geological repository, and the Municipality is weighing in.
The NWMO released a discussion document on its proposed approach for siting a deep geological repository (DGR) for intermediate-level and highlevel radioactive waste in June.
Earlier this month, South Bruce Council asked staff to review the NWMO’s new discussion document and provide feedback.
"For the second DGR, NWMO will continue to focus on technical safety and community willingness as the primary site selection criteria," CAO Leanne Martin reported. "They are inviting feedback from municipalities, Canadians and Indigenous Peoples to further refine their proposed site selection approach, before they begin the site selection process for this repository in 2028."
Teeswater was a finalist to host a repository for Canada’s used nuclear fuel, after residents narrowly voted in favour of the plan. However, that used nuclear fuel storage facility was awarded to Ignace in Northern Ontario, pending a multi-year regulatory decision-making process to confirm its safety independently.
The proposed site selection process for Canada’s second deep geological repository for radioactive waste is now available for public review.
"This is not an expression of interest but solely a reflection/lessons learned from the previous process and providing feedback," Martin stated.