Perspectives of the Proponent and Initiating Department on the Federal Environmental Review of the Canadian Nuclear Waste Management Program

Abstract

Studies on disposal of used nuclear fuel in Canada have been carried out under a joint R and D program by AECL Research and Ontario Hydro. The work was formally initiated in 1978 by a joint statement from the governments of Ontario and Canada, and the mandate reconfirmed in 1981. The program of research bas developed the technology and methodology for isolating used nuclear fuel from the biosphere through a series of engineered and natural barriers. The aim of the research has been to develop a full understanding of the underlying mechanisms of the behaviour of each part of this system. The work has been directed towards development of a concept for used nuclear fuel disposal. No site specific work bas been, nor will be, carried out until there has been an environmental assessment and public review of the concept, and governments have made decisions on the safety and acceptability of the disposal concept, and the future steps that must be taken to ensure the safe, long-term management of nuclear fuel waste in Canada. In September 1988, the AECL concept for geological disposal of nuclear fuel waste was referred to the Minister of Environment for environmental assessment and review under Section 13 of the Environmental Assessment and Review Process Guidelines Order. A Review Panel was appointed, and a Scientific Review Group of independent experts was established by the Panel to examine the safety and scientific acceptability of the disposal concept. Public hearings are expected to take place sometime in 1994. In 1990, open houses and public scoping (information-gathering) sessions were held to provide information on the process for the review, and to identify issues that should be addressed in the formulation of the Environmental Impact Statement guidelines. The guidelines, which form the basis of the documentation that AECL is required to develop in preparation for public bearings on the concept, were issued in March 1992. There are two features of the review which make it different from other environmental reviews. Firstly, the proponent, AECL, is presenting a generic disposal concept, in other words an approach to disposal, rather than a site specific disposal project. This makes the review very comprehensive, because technologies adaptable to a range of conditions must be considered. The review is necessarily somewhat abstract in that questions on site specific issues must be considered in the absence of a directly affected community. Secondly, the sensitivity of the public and the media towards the nuclear industry and to disposal of radioactive waste have resulted in a need to engender a very high level of confidence in the proposed concept. The Canadian government is committed to policies and programs for the management of radioactive wastes from the nuclear fuel cycle, including nuclear fuel waste, that combine the need for public review, effective regulation, and the use of safe and environmentally sound technologies. As a whole, the objective is to ensure that our nuclear industries should be well placed to meet the highest standards of safety and environmental impact over the long term. The paper will discuss the details of the review process and the progress to date. It presents some perspectives from both the initiating department and the proponent in the review, and describes the opportunities for technical and public contribution to the program and its review.