OPG submits further DGR studies to federal environment ministry

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has submitted to the federal environment minister, the additional information requested last February, regarding the proposed Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) for low- and intermediate-level nuclear waste at the Bruce Nuclear site in the Municipality of Kincardine.

The information submitted to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency (CEAA) includes:
 

• A study that details the environmental effects of technically- and economically-feasible alternate locations for the DGR project. Two alternate locations - one in crystalline rock and one in sedimentary rock - were studied, along with the incremental costs and risks associated with the off-site transportation.
• An updated analysis of the cumulative environmental effects of the project, assuming a used-fuel repository is sited in close proximity to OPG’s DGR. A site for a used-fuel facility has not yet been determined by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO).
• An updated list of OPG’s commitments to mitigate adverse environmental effects under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012.

The studies show that relocating the DGR to an alternate location would result in increased environmental effects and significant incremental costs, with no assurance of increased safety to workers and the public, or protection of the environment.

Based on the findings, OPG maintains that a DGR is the right answer for its low- and intermediate-level waste, and that the current proposed Bruce Nuclear site is the right location.

An independent federal Joint Review Panel recommended in 2015 that OPG’s project move ahead “sooner rather than later,” based on a strong safety case and to reduce risks to the environment.

For more on the DGR and the information submitted, visit the DGR website.

Years of scientific research have shown that the geology 680 metres under the Bruce Nuclear site is ideal for a DGR; it is some of the tightest rock in the world, impermeable limestone that has remained intact through 450-million years, multiple ice ages and glaciers.

The Municipality of Kincardine is a willing host community for the DGR. OPG is engaged in consultations with stakeholders and Indigenous communities, including the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, whose informed consent is required for the project to proceed to construction.

OPG generates safe, clean, reliable, low-cost power for Ontario. More than 99 per cent of this power is free of smog and greenhouse gas emissions. OPG's power is priced 40 per cent lower than power from other generators, which helps moderate customer bills.