OPG's Deep Geologic Repository for Low and Intermediate Level Waste Project Description--Design and Construction

Abstract

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is planning to construct a Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) for the long-term management of operational and refurbishment Low and Intermediate Level Radioactive Waste (L&ILW) at the 932-ha Bruce nuclear site. The Bruce nuclear site is located approximately 225 kilometres northwest of Toronto near Tiverton, Ontario. The project is currently in the regulatory approvals phase. OPG's proposed underground repository will be comprised of horizontally-excavated emplacement rooms arranged in two panels with access provided via two vertical concrete-lined shafts. The emplacement rooms will be constructed at a depth of about 680 m below surface within limestone. This limestone formation is laterally extensive and is directly overlain by 200 m of shale which acts as a low permeability cap rock. The underground repository will be supported by a surface infrastructure comprised of two headframes, an office building and various ancillary facilities. It is estimated that it will take about five to six years to construct the DGR facility.