NWMO asked to lead development of an integrated radioactive waste management strategy for Canada

TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ - The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) will lead the development of an integrated radioactive waste management strategy, at the request of the Honourable Seamus O'Regan, Minister of Natural Resources Canada. This is part of the Government of Canada's Radioactive Waste Policy Review, and leverages the NWMO's 20 years of recognized expertise in the engagement of Canadians and Indigenous peoples on plans for the safe long-term management of used nuclear fuel. 

"This is important work, and we look forward to lending our expertise to make informed and practical recommendations to the Canadian government on a more comprehensive radioactive waste management strategy for low- and intermediate-level waste," said Laurie Swami, President and CEO of the NWMO. "I want to thank Minister O'Regan for entrusting us to lead this process."

All of Canada's low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste is safely managed today in interim storage. An integrated strategy will ensure the material continues to be managed in accordance with international best practice over the longer-term. Building on previous work, this strategy represents a next step to identify and address any gaps in radioactive waste management planning, while looking further into the future.

"For more than 50 years, Canadian nuclear technology has been in our lives ? powering our homes, making life saving medical treatments and bringing safe food to our tables," said Karine Glenn, Strategic Project Director for the NWMO. "I look forward to this being a process of informed, balanced dialogue about what we must do to ensure that people and the environment are protected from the remaining hazards of this material long after we are gone."

More details regarding the process will be shared in the coming weeks. Interested individuals and organizations will have a variety of ways to participate, while respecting public health directives related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please sign up for updates at nwmo.ca/radwasteplanning. 

About

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is implementing?Canada's?plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel. The organization was created in 2002 by?Canada's?nuclear electricity producers. Ontario Power Generation, NB Power and Hydro-Québec are the founding members, and along with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, fund the NWMO's operations. The NWMO operates on a not-for-profit basis and derives our mandate from the federal?Nuclear Fuel Waste Act. 

SOURCE Nuclear Waste Management Organization