Deep geological disposal of nuclear fuel waste: background information and regulatory requirements regarding the concept assessment phase

In their Joint Statement of August 1981, the governments of Canada and Ontario noted that the Nuclear Fuel Waste Program had been established to assure the safe and permanent disposal of radioactive waste from nuclear power reactors. The statement addressed the scope and schedule of the 'Concept Assessment Phase' of the Program, and identified the participating organizations and their responsibilities. The scope of this initial phase includes the development and assessment by Ontario Hydro and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) of a disposal concept and its subsequent review by the regulatory agencies and government. The Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB), as lead regulatory agency is issuing this statement to outline its position with respect to evaluation of the concept