NWMO Background Papers
NWMO has commissioned a series of background papers which present concepts and contextual information about the state of our knowledge on important topics related to the management of radioactive waste. The intent of these background papers is to provide input to defining possible approaches for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel and to contribute to an informed dialogue with the public and other stakeholders.
As a standard practice, background papers were peer reviewed before accepted by the NWMO and posted on this website. In the case of background papers on "Guiding Concepts" and "Social and Ethical Considerations", independent comment was solicited and posted with each paper in lieu of the peer review process.
The topics of the background papers can be classified under the following broad headings:
This series of papers is designed to describe key concepts often used in the exploration of difficult public policy issues. These concepts might help guide and inform our examination and assessment of used fuel management approaches by suggesting important questions for the study to ask and answer.
This series of papers is designed to suggest social and ethical dimensions of managing radioactive waste for the purpose of broader discussion.
Health and Safety provide information on the status of relevant research, technologies, standards and procedures to reduce radiation and security risk associated with radioactive waste management.
Science and Environment provide information on the current status of relevant research on ecosystem processes and environmental management issues. They include descriptions of the current efforts, as well as the status of research into our understanding of the biosphere and geosphere.
Economic Factors provide insight into the economic factors and financial requirements for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel.
Technical Methods provides general descriptions of the three methods for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel as defined in the NFWA, as well as other possible methods and related system requirements.
Institutions and Governance outline the current relevant legal, administrative and institutional requirements that may be applicable to the long-term management of spent nuclear fuel in Canada, including legislation, regulations, guidelines, protocols, directives, policies and procedures of various jurisdictions.
Workshop Reports provide information on the outputs and outcomes of some NWMO engagement activities including discussions and expert workshops.
Provides perspectives on the advantages and limitations of the management approaches under study. |
