Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organisation (NWMO) is to lead the development of an integrated radioactive waste management strategy, at the request of Minister of Natural Resources Canada Seamus O’Regan.
This is part of the Government of Canada’s Radioactive Waste Policy Review, and leverages the NWMO’s 20 years of expertise in the engagement of Canadians and Indigenous peoples on plans for the safe long-term management of used nuclear fuel.
“This is important work, and we look forward to lending our expertise to make informed and practical recommendations to the Canadian government on a more comprehensive radioactive waste management strategy for low- and intermediate-level waste,” said Laurie Swami, president and CEO of the NWMO.
All of Canada’s low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste is safely managed today in interim storage. An integrated strategy will ensure the material continues to be managed in accordance with international best practice over the longer-term. Building on previous work, this strategy represents a next step to identify and address any gaps in radioactive waste management planning, while looking further into the future.
NWMO said more details regarding the process will be shared in the coming weeks. Interested individuals and organisations will have a variety of ways to participate.
NWMO was established in 2002 by Canada’s nuclear electricity producers. Ontario Power Generation, NB Power and Hydro-Québec are the founding members, and along with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, fund NWMO’s operations. The organisation operates on a not-for-profit basis and derives its mandate from the federal Nuclear Fuel Waste Act.
Photo: Canada's Nuclear Waste Management Organisation (NWMO) said that it will lead the development of an integrated radioactive waste management strategy
