Geoscientific Site Characterization
A four-year multi-phase program of geoscientific investigations to verify the suitability of the geology deep beneath the Bruce nuclear site to safely host the proposed Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) for Ontario Power Generation’s low and intermediate level nuclear waste was completed in July 2010.
The Geoscientific Site Characterization program included, among other activities:
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A 20 line-kilometre 2D seismic reflection survey to image the near-horizontally layered sedimentary bedrock sequence beneath the site;
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The installation of three borehole seismographs at three locations to observe and monitor micro-seismic activity within a 50-km radius of the Bruce nuclear site;
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The drilling and coring of 6 deep bedrock wells within an area of 1.5 square kilometres enclosing the DGR footprint. These boreholes, licensed by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, provide a record of the bedrock conditions through the entire 840-m thick sequence of sedimentary rock beneath the Bruce nuclear site. More than 1200 rock samples were collected and preserved for laboratory testing necessary for site characterization. There are 34 sedimentary bedrock formations beneath the site;
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Downhole testing of the deep boreholes included geophysical logging that was used to select bedrock formation contacts and assess formation rock mass properties;
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Downhole hydraulic testing was completed in each of the deep boreholes to estimate bedrock formation rock mass permeabilities; combined, more than 100 tests were completed. Results confirm extremely low permeabilities at, and above and below, the repository horizon;
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The installation of a groundwater monitoring network to allow measurement of groundwater conditions at more than 130 points to depths of 860 meters below ground surface.
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The work associated with the program was conducted with coordinated contributions from more than 20 groups, including service contractors, specialized consultants and university groups. All field activities were completed safely with no lost time accidents or serious injuries.
The results of these studies are documented in the Descriptive Geosphere Site Model Report and the Geosynthesis Report and supporting technical reports.
To view the Geosynthesis supporting documents scroll down to the Geosynthesis Documents Roadmap. The Roadmap visually presents geoscience documents and provides access to each, including both the Executive Summary and the full report. Click on a document to view its Executive Summary and from the Executive Summary access is provided to the full report. |
