NWMO outlines next steps in process of township hosting used-nuclear-fuel DGR

Huron-Kinloss Township is one of 11 communities still in the running to host a used-nuclear-fuel Deep Geologic Repository (DGR).
To that end, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) spoke to council at its general committee meeting Monday afternoon (Feb. 2), outlining the next steps in the Adaptive Phased Management (APM) process.

"Originally, there were 22 communities interested in the program," said Kathryn Shaver, vice-president, APM engagement and site selection, with the NWMO. "We are narrowing it down based on assessments. There are now only 11 communities entering Phase 2, Step 3, of the process. It is early days and there is more dialogue to be done."

Besides Huron-Kinloss, the remaining communities include Creighton in Saskatchewan, and Ignace, Schreiber, Manitouwadge, Homepayne, White River, Blind River, Elliot Lake, South Bruce and Central Huron - all in Ontario.

Shaver said the next phase will take multiple years and involve assessments of: a strong safety case (geoscience, engineering, design, environment and safety); confirmation that used fuel can be safely transported to the site; and the potential for strong partnerships with the interested community, local First Nation and Metis communities, and the surrounding municipalities. Shaver stressed that the project will proceed only with these community groups working in partnership.

There are key questions, she said: the potential to find a safe site; the potential to foster the well-being of the community, the potential for citizens' continued interest; and the potential to foster the well-being of the surrounding area.
This next phase will involve general field studies to further understand the geology across the community; and repository-scale field studies to assess in more detail the geology of smaller areas identified by the community as potentially suitable to host a DGR.

Shaver said the field studies will see scientists observing geological features (non-intrusive mapping); doing preliminary borehole drilling; and 2-D seismic surveys (non-intrusive).
In all of this work, she said, everything will be developed in collaboration with the communities.
"This will definitely be a topic for discussion with the Community Liaison Committee," she said. The NWMO met with this committee Tuesday night, Feb. 3.

Other technical studies, said Shaver, will include: Engineering, to assess possible repository layouts in more detail and determine the requirements for supporting infrastructure in more detail; Used-fuel transportation, to begin exploring in more detail the potential modes (road, rail) and routes; and Environment Safety, to begin site-specific, field surveys to better understand the local environment, and begin to assess site-specific operational and long-term project safety.

Through all the studies, Shaver said NWMO will focus on the well-being of the community, with broader engagement, including the Aboriginal community.
"We know the community still has many questions," she said. "We hope to address those in the next steps."

Shaver said the NWMO hopes to work with the community to identify smaller siting areas that are socially acceptable, as well as build awareness and understanding of the project; and explore the potential for a strong partnership.
During its meeting with the liaison committee, the NWMO was going to plan open houses, discuss community learning events, and arrange for "Learn More" funding.

Shaver said there are also resource programs available for municipalities and First Nation and Metis communities, providing funding for administrative expenses, support for community planning and dialogues, and such activities as working with neighbours, visits to interim storage facilities and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC), and open houses, community discussions and speakers.

"What would be the economic impact, the number of jobs, involved in this project?" asked mayor Mitch Twolan.
"We have had general modelling done," said Shaver, "and during operations, there would be 600-800 direct and indirect jobs. There would be a spike before that during construction of close to 2,100 jobs. This project would have a significant impact."

Twolan asked about the proposed Centre of Expertise that would be built along with the DGR.
"That is a critical component attached to the DGR," said Shaver. "It would be like a science centre. During the construction phase, there would be borehole samples to view. How this project fits into the community is not just to meet the needs of APM, but the needs of the community - to be useful. This will be the discussion in Phase 2.

When asked about the timeline, Shaver said the first two to three years would be work of a general nature in order to understand the landscape of Huron-Kinloss. Then, the NWMO would move forward to focus on specific areas."
"We already have a good understanding of the geology," said Dr. Ben Belfadhel, director of geoscience with NWMO. "We will now move on with more boreholes to confirm the current information and then identify certain locations that are suitable for siting the DGR. This will also be part of the community discussion."

"We have said we will take the time it takes," said Shaver. "Anywhere from three to five years is a pretty broad timeline."
"There are a number of components to the project beyond just the DGR, such as the container manufacturer," said JoAnne Facella, director of social research and dialogue with NWMO. "We are envisioning how the DGR would fit here, that's part of the discussion in this phase of work."
"Different components have different siting requirements," added Shaver.

When asked if the geology is different from east to west in the township, Belfadhel said the geology is very consistent and cake-like in structure. "There is no significant difference. When we do the studies, we are not expecting to see any big differences."

Just prior to the presentation, Shaver presented a framed certificate to the township, in appreciation for outstanding leadership and contribution to Canada's plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel:

"The Township of Huron-Kinloss has worked with the NWMO to shape and evolve the activities and steps required in a site selection process to ensure meaningful community involvement," states the certificate. "It has led the way in defining how project safety must be demonstrated to Canadians and communities and laid the basis for working partnerships locally, with surrounding communities and with First Nations and Metis peoples.

"Through its engagement, the Township of Huron-Kinloss has built an understanding of how this project can be used as a foundation to further the objectives and well-being of communities, while meeting the national need for the safe, long-term management of Canada's used nuclear fuel."
The certificate is signed by Ken Nash, president and chief executive officer of NWMO.




Kathryn Shaver (R), vice-president, APM engagement and site selection, with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), presents a certificate of appreciation to Huron-Kinloss mayor Mitch Twolan, Monday afternoon at the township's general committee meeting