Frequently Asked Questions - Designing the Process for Selecting a Site

Has site selection begun?

What is the focus of the 2009 public engagement program that the NWMO launched in May 2009?

Why a two-year timeline to develop the site selection process?

What is addressed in the Proposed Site Selection Process?

What are some of the features of the Proposed Site Selection Process?

What kind of feedback is the NWMO looking for through public engagement?

How can people share their comments on the proposal?

What comes next after the 2009 engagement?

Has the NWMO started to identify preferable regions?

Have any communities begun to express interest?

What is the mandate of the NWMO?

What is Adaptive Phased Management?

Has site selection begun?

No. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is continuing to seek input from Canadians on the design of the process for locating the long-term management facilities for Canada's used nuclear fuel, as set out in the Adaptive Phased Management plan. Site selection will only begin after the process for site selection has been confirmed and finalized. The siting process will not commence in 2009.

What is the focus of the 2009 public engagement program that the NWMO launched in May 2009?

The NWMO's engagement activities in 2009 invites public review of a proposed process for selecting the site in which to locate the Adaptive Phased Management facilities. The Proposed Site Selection Process is set out in a discussion document issued by the NWMO on May 4, 2009, along with a series of questions to invite dialogue and comment.

The 2009 dialogues continue the collaborative development of the site selection process that the NWMO initiated in 2008, working with interested Canadians.

Why a two-year timeline to develop the site selection process?

The NWMO is committed to taking into account the views of all interested Canadians at each stage as the NWMO plans, designs and implements Adaptive Phased Management. An important first step is the collaborative development of the site selection process.

In 2008, we invited interested organizations and individuals to contribute their suggestions and expectations for the principles, objectives and key elements that should guide development of a fair, inclusive process of site selection. This input informed the development of the Proposed Site Selection Process.

In 2009, the NWMO will invite public review and comment on a Proposed Site Selection Process, published in a discussion document. Comments received will enable the NWMO to refine and finalize the process. The NWMO believes it is important to take the time required to ensure that an appropriate process is in place, that meets the expectations of Canadians, to guide the decision on a location for this important national initiative.

What are some of the features of the Proposed Site Selection Process?

» A description of the Adaptive Phased Management project

» Proposed principles to underlie the proposed site selection process

» Proposed decision-making steps for site selection

» Proposed criteria to ensure safety and foster community well-being

» A description of the partnership proposed with the NWMO and the host community

» A discussion of the important roles for third-party reviews

» An overview of the regulatory approvals that will be part of the site selection process

How can I become involved in the collaborative development of the siting process?

The proposed process, set out in the NWMO's discussion document, is designed to be responsive to the direction provided by Canadians. People told the NWMO that they want to be sure, above all, that the selected site is safe and secure for people and the environment, now and in the future. Citizens want to be assured that the highest scientific, professional and ethical standards will be met, and that the process for choosing the site is open, transparent, fair and inclusive. The proposed process also draws on lessons learned, experiences and best practices from past work nationally and internationally in siting major projects.

The proposal that the NWMO has released for public review sets out scientific and technical requirements that will guide selection of an appropriate site to ensure safety. It describes the implementation of the project through a partnership with an informed, willing community, which fosters well-being and sustainability. And it outlines proposed steps through which interested communities would be able to learn more as they consider their potential interest in hosting this project.

What kind of feedback is the NWMO looking for through public engagement?

The key purpose of the 2009 engagement program is to provide confirmation of the Proposed Site Selection Process, and/or identify specific additions or changes that would enhance the process.

During the 2009 dialogues, the NWMO will ask:
» Are the proposed siting principles fair and appropriate?
» Are the proposed decision-making steps consistent with selecting a safe site, and making a decision that is fair?
» Does the proposed process provide for the kinds of information and tools which are needed to support the participation of communities which may be interested?
» What changes, if any, should be made? What else needs to be considered?

The NWMO would like to confirm whether or not it has accurately captured the expectations of citizens for a safe and secure location, and a fair, ethical and effective process for selecting the site.

How can people share their comments on the proposal?

The NWMO is encouraging interested individuals and organizations to learn more about the proposed siting process by reviewing the discussion document, Proposed Process for Selecting a Site, and by sharing your thoughts on how the design of this process might be improved. This document is available on the NWMO website at www.nwmo.ca.

The NWMO will be holding a number of regional information sessions this spring and invites all those interested to attend to learn more about the process for selecting a site which is being proposed. Canadians may also fill out a survey, make a submission on the website or send their comments to the NWMO by letter or facsimile.

The NWMO encourages interested individuals and organizations to visit our website periodically to learn about other initiatives which are being planned.

What comes next after the 2009 engagement?

With input received on the Proposed Site Selection Process proposal throughout 2009, the NWMO will then refine and finalize the process.

Has the NWMO started to identify preferable regions?

No. The NWMO has not yet initiated the site selection process. The NWMO is still collaboratively developing the process that will be used to guide the selection of a location for this project.

The NWMO has made some important commitments. The NWMO will ensure that the site selected meets technical and scientific criteria that are important to ensure safety for the long term, and the NWMO will seek an informed, willing community to host the project.

Once the site selection process is initiated, the NWMO will focus its engagement in the four nuclear provinces that have been active in the nuclear fuel cycle - Ontario, New Brunswick and Québec, which generate used fuel from their electricity generation; and Saskatchewan which is involved in the mining of uranium for nuclear power generation. Should communities in other provinces express potential interest in being host to this project, they would also be considered subject to the locations meeting the required technical and scientific safety requirements.

The NWMO will be locating this national infrastructure initiative in a community that is informed and has demonstrated its interest and willingness to host this project. The site must meet strict, scientifically determined safety requirements.

Have any communities begun to express interest?

No. The NWMO has not yet asked for, nor is it in a position to accept, expressions of interest at this time. It is important that the siting process be fully developed and confirmed before the NWMO can recognize expressions of interest from potentially interested communities.

What is the mandate of the NWMO?

The NWMO is responsible for implementing the plan for the safe, secure long-term management of Canada's used nuclear fuel. The NWMO has a legislated responsibility to fulfill this national mandate, as required under the federal Nuclear Fuel Waste Act.

What is Adaptive Phased Management?

Canada's plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel is called Adaptive Phased Management.

Technically, APM has as its end-point the containment and isolation of used nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository constructed in an appropriate rock formation where the used fuel will be safely and securely contained by engineered barriers and the surrounding geology. The NWMO will seek an informed, willing community to host the repository, the underground demonstration facility and the associated centre of expertise that will be a hub for national and international scientific collaboration. Continuous learning and adaptability will underpin implementation of this high-technology national infrastructure initiative that will unfold over many decades, subject to extensive regulatory approvals and oversight. The NWMO will involve citizens at all key stages and in decision-making through engagement that is transparent and inclusive.

Adaptive Phased Management is the plan that the NWMO recommended following its three-year study and dialogue with Canadians (2002-2005), and the plan approved by the Government of Canada in 2007.