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:
1. Guiding Concepts
2. Social and Ethical Dimensions
3. Health and Safety
4. Science and Environment
5. Economic Factors
6. Technical Methods
7. Institutions and Governance
8. Workshop Reports
9. Assessments