Canadian Nuclear Industry Urges Federal Government to Approve DGR

OTTAWA (May 8, 2015) – The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) today called on the federal government to approve the Deep Geologic Repository proposed for Kincardine, Ontario. An independent federal panel has recommended approval following an extensive review.

“This is the right decision for the safe, long-term storage of low- and intermediate-level waste,” said CNA President and CEO Dr. John Barrett.

“The Joint Review Panel should be commended for its thoroughness and the numerous open public hearings that it held on the issue, allowing input from the community and all stakeholders,” he added.

Dr. Barrett said the CNA looks forward to project approval from the federal environment minister and the independent nuclear regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

“Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has safely managed low- and intermediate-level waste materials for years,” he said. “We can all be confident that it will continue to do so.”

OPG’s proposed repository, supported by the surrounding community, would store waste, such as cleaning supplies and uniforms, as well as filters and other pieces used in its nuclear reactors.

The Kincardine repository would not store used nuclear fuel. A separate process, led by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, is looking for a home for a used-fuel repository.

“The nuclear industry, alone in the energy sector, takes full responsibility for managing its waste,” Dr. Barrett said. “It does so safely and securely. This speaks to the proactive and responsible environmental management to which all industry members are committed.”

The proposed DGR’s safety has been confirmed by numerous studies and analyses by engineers, geologists, geoscientists and hydrologists.

Multiple natural barriers of solid, stable rock would safely protect Lake Huron from the repository, ensuring that no radiation could reach the lake.  Scientists and recognized experts from around the world have validated OPG’s findings.

Ontario’s low- and intermediate-level waste comes from nuclear reactors that safely produce affordable and reliable electricity, while emitting zero greenhouse gases. The Independent Electrical System Operator (IESO), which operates the provincial electrical grid, purchased 94.9 terawatt hours of nuclear-generated electricity last year – 62 percent of the grid’s supply.

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For more information:
Malcolm Bernard
Director of Communications
613-237-4262 #110