Step 1. Initiate Process >> Overview: Protecting People and the Environment

Any site that is selected to host this facility must be able to safely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel for a very long period of time. Any site selected will need to address scientific and technical siting factors that will acknowledge precaution and ensure protection for present and future generations.

The ability of a deep geological repository to safely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel relies on the form and properties of the waste, the human-made or engineered barriers placed around the waste, and the natural barriers provided by the host rock formation in which the repository will be located.

The site will be evaluated through a series of progressively more detailed scientific and technical assessments, beginning with desktop studies, and progressing with field studies, and finally detailed site characterization. These assessments will be used to develop a robust safety case for the review, and if appropriate, approval of regulatory authorities.

The preferred site will be in a rock formation with desirable characteristics (geological, hydrogeological, chemical and mechanical), that support containment and repository performance to meet or exceed the regulatory expectations of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, the guidance of the International Atomic Energy Agency and experience in other countries with nuclear waste management programs.

Key safety-related questions such as the following will be addressed: