Step 3. Preliminary Assessments

Communities that express interest in learning more, and which have passed an initial screening, can request a preliminary assessment of potential suitability. At the request of the community, the NWMO will conduct a feasibility study collaboratively with the community to determine whether the community has the potential to have a site which will meet the detailed requirements for the project. Interested communities will be encouraged to inform surrounding communities, including potentially affected Aboriginal communities and governments, as early as possible to facilitate their involvement.

A feasibility study is designed to assess, in a preliminary way, the suitability of a community and associated site(s) to host the project. These studies are an opportunity for both the community and the NWMO to explore four key questions that will be important in assessing the suitability of communities for this project. The key questions to be addressed in feasibility studies are:

• Safety, security and protection of people and the environment are central to the siting process. Is there the potential to find a safe site?

• The project will be implemented in a way that will foster the long-term well-being of the community. Is there the potential to foster the well-being of the community through the implementation of the project, and what might need to be put in place (e.g. infrastructure, resources, planning initiatives) to ensure this outcome?

• At a later step in the process (Step 5), the community must demonstrate it is informed and willing to host the project. Is there the potential for citizens in the community to continue to be interested in exploring this project through subsequent steps in the site selection process?

• The project will be implemented in a way that will foster the long-term well-being of the surrounding area. Is there the potential to foster the well-being of the surrounding area and region, and establish the foundation to move forward with the project?

Information materials, supporting programs and activities to date are described here. Individuals, organizations and communities interested in learning more are invited to contact the NWMO.