The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) recently held a series of open houses in Hornepayne and Manitouwadge on the subject of potential initial borehole drilling.

The Township of Hornepayne invited the NWMO to hold an open house at the Royal Canadian Legion on March 5 and 6. This was followed by the Township of Manitouwadge, where the NWMO presented at the Community Centre Auditorium on March 7 and 8. 

The well-attended events provided yet another opportunity for area residents to share their thoughts, while students of all ages took the opportunity to go through the exhibits on display and learn more about the project from the NWMO staff.

Initial borehole drilling studies are designed to provide core samples from a location at or near a potential repository site. These studies advance understanding of the local geology and help assess the area’s potential suitability to safely host a deep geological repository for used nuclear fuel.

Earlier studies helped identify the areas that have the potential to be geologically suitable. Based on further technical studies and input from people in the area last summer, a location was identified which might be a focus for initial borehole drilling studies. Conversations with people in the area continue. No decisions have yet been made.

The Hornepayne and Manitouwadge areas are two of several in Ontario currently involved in the site selection process.