Long-Term Spent Fuel Management in Canada

International Conference on Management of Spent Fuel from Nuclear Power ReactorsVienna, AustriaMay 31, 2010

Spent Fuel Arising in Canada

» 42,000 tonnes of spent fuel in interim storage from:♦ 22 power reactors in Ontario, New Brunswick and Quebec♦ Research reactors Manitoba and Ontario

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Interim Spent Fuel Storage

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» 1980: Governments of Canada and Ontario initiates Canadian Nuclear Fuel Waste Program.

» 1998: Federal Environmental Assessment Panel concluded:♦ Geologic disposal technically safe♦ Public support not demonstrated

» 2002 Nuclear Fuel Waste Act requires NWMO be formed.

» 2007: Government of Canada approves Adaptive Phased Management with end point of isolation in a deep geologic repository.

» 2010: NWMO initiate site selection process.

History of Long-Term Spent Fuel Management

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» Nuclear Energy Corporations to:

♦ Form and fund NWMO

♦ Contribute to trust funds

» NWMO

♦ Conduct study of alternatives and make recommendation

♦ Implement government decision

♦ Define contributions to trust funds

♦ Report annually to parliament

» Government of Canada

♦ Approves NWMO recommendation

♦ Approves trust fund contributions

2002 Nuclear Fuel Waste Act

NWMO Study of Alternatives (2002-2005)

» NWMO led three-year study - engaged nation-wide: 18,000 Canadians including 2500 Aboriginal

people 120 information & discussion sessions 500 experts

» Canadians told us: Safety and security is top priority Take action now International standards Approach must be adaptable

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Adaptive Phased Management

A Technical Method A Management System

Centralized containment and isolation in deep geological repository

Continuous monitoring

Potential for retrievability

Optional step of shallow underground storage

Flexibility in pace and manner of implementation

Phased and adaptive decision-making

Responsive to advances in technology, research, Aboriginal Traditional Knowledge, societal values

Open, inclusive, fair siting process - seek informed, willing host community

Public engagement and site selection focused in 4 nuclear provinces

NUCLEAR WASTE MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATION | Page 77

APM emerged from dialogue with citizens and experts – best met key priorities

APM proposed by NWMO; approved by Federal government June 2007

Deep Geologic Repository: National Infrastructure Project

» High technology, national infrastructure project Investment of $16-24 billion Operate as centre of expertise Provide thousands of jobs Sustainable over more than 100 years

» Highly regulated – strict criteria ensures safety

» Partnership between NWMO and community

» Fosters community well-being

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NWMO’s Implementation Plan

» Build relationships and engage Canadians in decision making

» Collaboratively design and implement process for site selection

» Further develop repository designs and safety case

» Research alternative methods and societal values

» Ensure sufficient funds

» Continually improve governance structure and organizational capacity

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Building Relationships and Involving Canadians in Decision Making

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» Aboriginal People♦ Forum of Elders and Working Group♦ Aboriginal Organizations

» Municipal ♦ Forum of Municipal Associations from four provinces♦ Canadian Association of Nuclear Host Municipalities

» Public♦ Citizen Panels♦ Open houses, web-based dialogues, surveys

» Interest Groups:♦ Multi-Party Dialogues

» Federal and Provincial Governments♦ Cross-functional forums with Governments

Repository Design and Safety Case Refinement and Development

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» Refine designs for repositories in crystalline and sedimentary rock and complete pre-licensing review

» Exchange agreements with Finland, Sweden, Switzerland and France

» Joint international projects

» Projects in eleven Canadian universities

» Independent Technical Review Group

» Project Description

» Nine step process

» Evaluation criteria

» Community chooses to participate and has right of withdrawal

» Inclusion of surrounding community and Aboriginal people

» Partnership approach

» Role of independent third-party and regulatory review

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Collaborative Design of Process for Site Selection

» Safety, security, environment

» Visible presence of federal government

» Early and active role for regulator

» Supportive role of provincial governments

» Community benefits

» Recognition of Aboriginal and treaty rights and duty to consult and accommodate

Recurring Themes from Dialogues

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Next Steps and Possible Timelines

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  » May 2010: Initiation of site selection process

» 2010-2011: Build awareness and respond to interest

» 2012-2018: Feasibility studies

♦ Regional studies

♦ Detailed site evaluation

♦ Community expresses willingness to host

» 2018: Initiate regulatory review process

» 2035: Deep Geological Repository in-service