REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR LICENSING RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES IN CANADA

摘要

Although radioactive waste is generated in all sectors of the Canadian nuclear industry, there are currently no radioactive waste disposal facilities in operation in Canada. The paper discusses the regulatory system in place in Canada for regulating the siting, construction, operation, post-closure and long term aspects of radioactive waste disposal facilities. The Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB), the regulatory body controlling the development, application and use of nuclear energy in Canada, sets out basic objectives and requirements for all phases of licensing radioactive waste disposal facilities based on a non-prescriptive approach. The AECB achieves regulatory control of radioactive waste disposal through a comprehensive, cradle-to-grave licensing and compliance verification system to ensure that disposal facilities are sited, constructed, operated, decommissioned and abandoned in a manner that will not pose undue risk to health, safety, security and the environment. Proponents wishing to conduct any activity in respect of a waste disposal facility are required to submit a licensing application accompanied by all relevant information to the AECB for assessment and acceptance. A licence is issued only when the AECB is satisfied with the documents submitted by the proponent. The AECB maintains open communication with the public by including them in the regulatory process.