Update on Canada's fuel waste management program. Preparing for the environmental review of the concept

The Canadian Nuclear Fuel Waste Management Program (CNFWMP) was established in 1978 as a joint initiative by the governments of Canada and Ontario. Under the program, AECL is responsible for developing and assessing a concept to dispose of nuclear fuel wastes in plutonic rock of the Canadian Shield. Ontario Hydro has advanced the technologies for interim storage and transportation of used fuel. The aim of the concept is to isolate the used fuel waste from the biosphere by a series of engineered and natural barriers. During the past fourteen years, AECL has carried out detailed studies on each component of this barrier system. A robust concept has been developed, with options for the choice of materials and designs for the different components. The disposal concept is being reviewed under the Environmental Assessment and Review Process (EARP). AECL is the 'Proponent' for this review, and will submit an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) describing the disposal concept. The EIS has been written to respond to guidelines issued by the Environmental Assessment Panel responsible for carrying out the review. The future direction of the CNFWMP will depend on the recommendations of the Panel and on the resulting governmental decisions on the appropriate next steps. If the concept review is completed by 1996, as currently expected, and the concept is approved, the many steps that would be involved with siting and construction of a disposal facility, mean that disposal would not begin before about 2025. (J.P.N.)