Integrated Waste Strategy for Canadian Nuclear Laboratories

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) and Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) have been instrumental in the development of Canada's nuclear industry. For more than 70 years, nuclear technology has evolved to meet the needs of the world for clean, reliable energy; sustainable economic growth; and public health, safety and security. Today, CNL is actively restoring and protecting Canada's environment by reducing and effectively managing AECL's nuclear liabilities at multiple sites across Canada.CNL has an Integrated Waste Strategy which considers current and planned future waste management requirements. This includes activities associated with operational, research & development, post operational clean out, facilities decommissioning, environmental remediation, legacy and historic wastes, and waste received from small generators across Canada. Due to the history of research and science at the large and complex CNL sites, there is a breadth of waste management challenges that requires integration. A long term view is required with consideration of the full waste management lifecycle, ensuring there are long-term waste management solutions for all categories of radioactive waste. This strategy enables the integration and planning across all activities and sites.CNL is actively implementing long-term waste management solutions through three proposed waste management projects currently undergoing federal environmental assessments and regulatory licensing. The Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) is a proposed disposal facility for AECL-owned low-level waste and enables the environmental cleanup mission underway at AECL owned sites. The in-situ disposal of the Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) and Whiteshell Reactor (WR1) completes the decommissioning of these two below grade reactors and ensure long-term safety of the public and the environment. (author)