Derek Wilson, the NWMO’s Vice-President of Design and Construction, reviewed the updated Adaptive Phased Management project description with the White River Community Liaison Committee in October. His presentation highlighted the possible range of facilities that will be associated with the project.

“There is a lot more to this project than the actual deep geological repository,” Mr. Wilson said. “Some of the associated activities, like the Centre of Expertise, are planned to come online years before any construction of the repository.”

Mr. Wilson said once a preferred site is identified, the Centre of Expertise would be constructed to provide an opportunity to further develop and demonstrate the equipment and processes that would be used during operation, and to provide support for detailed site characterization activities. The centre would also support environment and social research, and ongoing engagement efforts.

He also described the new container design for used nuclear fuel. Important features of the design are corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, ease of fabrication, capacity, and compatibility with surrounding sealing materials.

“A benefit of the new design is its ability to be manufactured in the host community or surrounding region, depending on interest,” he said. “The required materials and technology for the containers are readily available in Canada.”