Huron-Kinloss could be part of NWMO used-nuclear fuel DGR study for up to five more years

Huron-Kinloss Township could be part of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO)'s adaptive phased management process for up to another five years. The process was put in place to find a safe, long-term storage solution for used-nuclear fuel in Canada.

Monday night (Aug. 21), NWMO officials and members of the township's Nuclear Waste Community Advisory Committee, were on hand to bring an update to council.

Jo-Ann Facella, director of community well-being, assessment and dialogue, said 21 communities began the process initially, but that has been narrowed down to seven: Huron-Kinloss, South Bruce, Hornpayne, Manitouwadge, Ignace, Blind River and Elliott Lake.

She said a preferred site will be decided at the end of 2022 and announced in 2023. After that, several-million dollars will be spent on detailed characterization studies, followed by the construction of a Centre of Expertise in 2024, and the Environmental Assessment (EA) and licence application in 2028.

Facella stressed that the three main criteria for a preferred site include: a strong safety case, an acceptable transportation plan, and a strong partnership among interested community members including First Nation and Metis communities and the surrounding region.

She said borehole drilling has been delayed and will not be conducted this year, but geoscientific assessments, to date, indicate the geology in the area has the potential to meet the project requirements.

"We have sufficient confidence to proceed with the next steps and advance the site-selection process in Huron-Kinloss," she said.

This will be done through discussions about what it could look like if the project were implemented in Huron-Kinloss; how the project could be made to fit with the township's vision, aspirations and community well-being; and what relationships and investments would be needed in the area for project implementation. Work will also begin to identify any lands in the township with the potential to be socially and technically feasible as a repository site.

"This is a $20-billion project," said Facella. "It will have a major impact on the host community and the surrounding area."

Mayor Mitch Twolan agreed, urging anyone with ideas for community well-being projects to send them to council as the township continues through the site-selection process.