Social and Political Aspects of Nuclear Fuel Waste Management

Abstract

The Canadian Nuclear Fuel Waste Management Program, while essentially a scientific program whose objective is to provide technical solutions to the disposal of nuclear fuel wastes, also has important social and political aspects. When the program was launched in 1978, there was a period of intense public interaction as geological research areas were established. Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) is now turning its attention to the process of identifying, analyzing and attempting to deal with the broader social issues related to the public acceptance of the disposal concept. A public participation program, consisting of surveys, focus groups and consultation with public and special interest groups, has been initiated.