An Overview of Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Plan as Detailed in NWMO’s Annual Report

摘要

In March, Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) submitted its annual report, “Moving towards Partnership – Annual Report 2018,” to the Honorable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Natural Resources, as is required under the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act (NFWA). The report highlights the organization’s progress in implementing Canada’s plan for the management and disposition of spent nuclear fuel. The NWMO also published the latest update to its fiveyear strategic plan – Implementing Adaptive Phased Management 2019 to 2023. This plan outlines objectives and priorities for NWMO as it continues to implement the country’s plan for the safe, long-term management of spent fuel. The agency is working towards identifying a preferred site for Canada’s deep geological repository over the next five years. In 2002, the government of Canada assigned responsibility through the NFWA for the long-term management of the country’s spent nuclear fuel to NWMO, which operates on a not-for-profit basis. The organization was established by Canada’s major nuclear fuel waste owners: Ontario Power Generation, Hydro-Québec, and New Brunswick Power Corporation. After a three-year dialogue (2002-2005) with Canadians, including Indigenous peoples, Canada developed its plan, called Adaptive Phased Management (APM), which was outlined in a study that was issued in November 2005. The government selected APM as Canada’s plan for the long-term management of spent fuel in June 2007. The NWMO explained the APM is both a technical method and a management system that involves phased and adaptive decision- making supported by public engagement and continuous learning.