Evaluation of management approaches

In November 2002, Parliament passed the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act (NFWA). It required the major owners of used nuclear fuel in Canada to establish the NWMO. The initial phase of our mandate was to study approaches for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel, and to recommend a preferred approach to the Government of Canada. The historical information about one part of that process is preserved here in line with our commitment to transparency.

    Planning for the study

    This phase of the NWMO’s work focused on the evaluation of specific long-term management approaches for used nuclear fuel. Two significant reports were published. The analytical framework presented in Discussion Document 1 was refined based on the dialogue that resulted from its release. Along with research findings, the framework was then applied to the proposed management approaches.

    This assessment of the management approaches was presented in Discussion Document 2. Once again, an intensive period of dialogue and discussion followed the release of the report to ensure that we have fully considered and addressed societal expectations.

    In preparation for release of the Draft Study Report, our work focused on articulating the implementation plans, refining the assessment and preparing recommendations. The Draft Study Report included our recommendations which were offered for public review and comment before the Final Study Report was prepared for submission to the Government of Canada.

    Resources:

    Explore the Study

    After a comprehensive three-year study, engaging specialists and citizens from all walks of life, the NWMO recommended Adaptive Phased Management for the long-term care of Canada’s used nuclear fuel.

    All the specialists and dialogue reports and the analysis supporting the NWMO recommendation are available here for review.

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    The Study

    NWMO discussion documents

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    Planning for the Study

    Exploring the fundamental issues