Review process for nuclear waste concept initiated

Short communication. Full text included in abstract. On June 13, 1988 federal Energy Minister Marcel Masse took steps to initiate an environmental review of long-term nuclear fuel waste-management issues in Canada, including a specific review of the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) concept for the geologic disposal of nuclear fuel wastes. The review will be carried out by a federal environmental assessment review panel established by Environment Minister Tom McMillan. The panel will examine a broad range of topics including the social, economic and environmental implication of long-term nuclear fuel waste management, with full public hearings. It will investigate a variety of approaches to waste management, including those undertaken by other countries. In addition, an independent group of experts will be set up to conduct a specific in-depth scientific and technical review of the long-term safety of the Canadian disposal concept, and will report to and advise the Panel. The federal and Ontario governments have collaborated over the past 10 years on an intensive R and D program on nuclear fuel waste management. Ontario generates most of the used nuclear fuel in Canada. A disposal facility will not be required for several decades, since the used nuclear fuel can be stored safely and economically for such periods. No site selection for an actual facility will begin until a disposal concept has been accepted as safe by the governments involved