Initial Project Description for Canada’s deep geological repository: More information coming soon

A photo showing an NWMO employee explaining the impact assessment process during an event.

The Initial Project Description explains how Canada’s deep geological repository will be implemented in a manner that protects people and the environment.

December 16, 2025

Toronto, Ont.

The Initial Project Description explains how Canada’s deep geological repository will be implemented in a manner that protects people and the environment.

Updated Friday, Dec. 19, 2025

Given the winter holiday season, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) have agreed to post the Initial Project Description for the Deep Geological Repository for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project on the IAAC Registry on or after Jan. 5, 2026. This timing ensures appropriate opportunities for participation in the public comment period.

The Initial Project Description is a foundational document that details the deep geological repository’s purpose, need and expected benefits, and explains how the Project will be implemented in a manner that protects people and the environment. It also provides a preliminary assessment of potential impacts and describes measures to avoid or mitigate them.

The posting of the Initial Project Description to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada registry will formally initiate the federal impact assessment and licensing processes. It will also provide the basis for sustained community engagement.

We will soon be able to share more information about the Initial Project Description. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to RegulatoryFeedback@nwmo.ca.

About the NWMO

Founded in 2002, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is a not-for-profit organization tasked with the safe, long-term management of Canada’s intermediate- and high-level radioactive waste, in a manner that protects people and the environment for generations to come.

The NWMO has been guided for more than 20 years by a dedicated team of world-class scientists, engineers and Indigenous Knowledge Holders who are developing innovative and collaborative solutions for nuclear waste management.

Previous version included the following opening paragraph:

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) will soon share more details about the Initial Project Description for the proposed Deep Geological Repository for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project.