Last updated 10/18/2016
The initial period of construction will last approximately 10 years, and over this period, a large number of construction workers will be needed. Unlike the period of operations, which will extend for several decades and for which the development of permanent infrastructure in the area will need to be planned, more temporary infrastructure might be considered for accommodation of construction personnel. Where workers stay during repository construction will depend on the repository location, resources in the area and region, and the preferences of communities in the area.
Workers could be housed in the community and surrounding area, or there could be a need to develop temporary infrastructure outside the main complex to provide sleeping quarters, kitchen, dining, laundry, medical, and recreation facilities. We will work with the community and surrounding area to plan for and contribute to the development of the required infrastructure for temporary workers during the approximately 10-year construction phase. The operation of the facility, expected to require about 40 years, will need the support of workers with the necessary expertise and skills associated with this phase. We will work with communities and surrounding areas to develop specific infrastructure and growth opportunities associated with operations workers and their families. Community preferences will be an important consideration in development of implementation plans that will meet the needs of communities.
Canada's plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel involves containing and isolating it in a deep geological repository. Safety of people and the environment is the top priority in the process for selecting a repository site. We will need to demonstrate that any site selected can safely contain and isolate used nuclear fuel for a very long period of time. There cannot be any credible risk from the repository to the public or the environment. The repository will be located deep underground in a suitable rock formation, which must meet site selection technical criteria for the development of a robust safety case. This approach is consistent with international best practice, and is the culmination of more than 30 years of research, development, and demonstration of technologies and techniques. The repository uses multiple barriers that include the waste form, container, sealing materials, and host rock. The system is designed such that the failure of one component would not jeopardize the safety of the containment system as a whole. The project will also be subject to a thorough regulatory review process, including an environmental assessment and a licensing review to ensure that it is implemented in a manner that protects people and the environment. Once placed in the repository, the used nuclear fuel will be monitored for an extended period of time.
More about Environment, Safety and Security, Project Facilities, Radiation
Since 2010, we have been engaged in a multi-year, community-driven process to identify a site (Site Selection) where Canada’s used nuclear fuel can be safely contained and isolated in a deep geological repository. Potential siting areas are identified and assessed in a series of steps that began when communities formally expressed interest in learning more. The safety and appropriateness of any potential site will be assessed against a number of factors, both technical and social in nature. The process is community driven. It is designed to ensure, above all, that the site selected is safe and secure, and has an informed and willing host. The process must meet the highest scientific, professional and ethical standards.
More about Site Selection, Public Engagement
Collaboration with both experts and the public is key to the design of Canada's plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel, and is at the heart of the plan's implementation. We have involved and will continue to involve people throughout the process in the implementation of the plan by:
We will also provide forms of assistance to interested communities and others potentially affected so they can participate in the process.
More about APM, Public Engagement, Site Selection
Transportation of radioactive material is a well-established practice. Over 50 years, there have been more than 20,000 shipments worldwide of used nuclear fuel, using road, rail and water transport. Canada has proven, and continues to demonstrate, its ability to safely transport used fuel, with hundreds of shipments made since the 1960s.
More about Transportation
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