Building confidence in deep geologic disposal of nuclear fuel waste: Canada's approach

The challenge facing Canadian society and those responsible for nuclear fuel waste management is one of developing confidence in the long-term safety of deep geologic disposal. In Canada such confidence is possible based on: the technical approach taken to deep geologic disposal; the adoption of the observational approach; ongoing review and incremental decision-making and the recognition of the need for flexibility and responsiveness; active and effective public involvement. Throughout the process of developing the technology for nuclear fuel waste disposal and of implementing disposal, judgments regarding the performance of the disposal system would be based on an ever-expanding knowledge and experience base, both technical and social, a knowledge base that should lead to progressively greater confidence: in the efficacy of disposal based on the concept; in the approach taken to implementation; in the institutions responsible for implementation; confidence to move forward. 6 refs