The long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel includes a commitment to protecting people and the environment, not just for today but for generations to come.

In the lead-up to the publication of our triennial report in March, we’re talking with employees of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) about the issues that matter most. We’re beginning with one of our top priorities, safety.

We spoke to Dr. Peter Keech, Manager of Engineered Barrier Science at the NWMO, about how safety is and always has been at the core of what we do.

How is the NWMO ensuring the deep geological repository project is safe?

Safety is one of the core priorities that guides the NWMO’s work as we implement Canada’s plan for used nuclear fuel. That means ensuring we are protecting people and the environment, not just now but for generations to come.

We are planning to build Canada’s first deep geological repository. International scientific consensus holds this approach is the safest way to manage used nuclear fuel forever.

Our design uses a multiple-barrier system to contain and isolate used nuclear fuel within a suitable geological formation. Many fail-safe layers of protection will keep the material contained for generations to come. This system is the product of rigorous technical and scientific assessments spanning decades.

Our whole approach marries the rigour of technical research and validation with a simple social concept, protecting people and the environment for years to come and minimizing the burden on future generations.

What significant strides in safe design has the NWMO achieved recently for the project?

Perhaps our greatest milestone in recent years has been selecting a site for the deep geological repository in late 2024. The decision followed decades of extensive technical study, including seismic surveys and borehole drilling, to refine our understanding of rock suitability at the site and build a strong safety case.

We are also continuing to progress the design of the Used Fuel Packaging Plant, a facility on the surface that will process material into Used Fuel Containers, making it ready for permanent emplacement within our underground facility.

We are adapting our plans for the specific conditions of the site, as well. That means our designs for underground infrastructure are progressing and will inform future safety and effects assessments.

All this work is under constant review by our world-class team of scientists and engineers, third-party geoscientists and global experts in safety and environmental management.

How will the NWMO continue to prioritize safety as the project progresses towards construction and operation?

Looking ahead, our focus remains on finalizing our safety case, which is the end-to-end plan for the safe construction and operation of the deep geological repository. That safety case will be both independently checked and developed collaboratively.

We have also begun the regulatory decision-making process, preparing integrated impact assessment studies and documentation for review.

We will continue comprehensive site characterization, including field activities like further borehole drilling and 3D seismic surveys, to refine our understanding of the site.

We will also continue to bring NWMO staff together with leading design and construction companies to ensure collective expertise in design and construction planning, all while maintaining rigorous transportation planning for future operations.

Ultimately, technical, social, cultural and environmental safety is at the core of every step we take as we prepare for construction and operation.

Learn more about the NWMO’s safe approach.