Developing a Social Framework for the Transportation of Used Nuclear Fuel

Abstract

The safe and secure transportation of used nuclear fuel is an ongoing area of interest and conversation in dialogue with communities, interested individuals and groups about the long term management of used nuclear fuel. Communities involved in the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO) project to site a deep geological repository to contain and isolate Canada’s used nuclear fuel are interested in understanding how used fuel can be transported safely and securely. Through questions and active discussion interwoven throughout the broad dialogue about the project, communities, interested individuals and groups are exploring the basis for confidence in safety of the transportation of used nuclear fuel. The NWMO is learning about the questions which need to be addressed, the testing which needs to be performed, and the values, objectives and processes which need to guide planning of the transportation of used nuclear fuel as part of the project.The paper outlines several key themes that the NWMO is hearing regarding the transportation of used nuclear fuel during its ongoing dialogue and engagement activities. Face-to-face conversations, questions, comments and other engagement reflected an interest in knowing more about the project in general, especially health and safety aspects, and the transportation of radioactive material, including transportation routes, security, logistics and emergency preparation.In order to advance conversations in these areas, and to begin to address these questions and concerns and build understanding, the NWMO continues to prepare and share a wide variety of printed and web based materials as well as displays and exhibits. To facilitate further reflection on transportation of used nuclear fuel, the NWMO will seek to advance dialogue through a public discussion document to seek insights into the priorities of Canadians for the development of a social framework for transportation planning. This discussion document will be reviewed in the paper.