CLC learns about regulatory, licensing processes that take place following DGR Site Selection

A graphic highlighting the 5 phases of an Impact Assessment (Credit: IAAC)

For Immediate Release
June 2, 2021

SOUTH BRUCE, ON – Representatives from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) and Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) joined the Community Liaison Committee meeting on June 1 to explain the assessment and licensing process that would start following site selection for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO) deep geological repository (DGR) Project.

Before the NWMO selects the final site, the Municipality of South Bruce will hold a referendum to measure community willingness to host the Project.

Once a site has been selected, federal reviews will begin. The IAAC’s job is to conduct impact assessments that look at both positive and negative environmental, economic, social, and health impacts of potential projects and contributes to informed decision making on major projects in support of sustainable development in Canada. The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security, and the environment.

The CNSC and the IAAC will conduct an integrated assessment of the DGR, meaning that a panel of experts will make the sure the project complies with both the Impact Assessment Act and the and Nuclear Safety and Control Act.

Impact assessments are conducted by a panel of independent, unbiased experts. They have extensive experience and industry and/or Indigenous knowledge as well. The review panel for the NWMO Project must have at least one member from the CNSC.

There are five phases of an Impact Assessment, which are explained in further detail on the IAAC website: Impact Assessment Phases. These include several opportunities for public participation including open house information sessions, public hearings, and public comment periods.

The presenters said public participation is important for gathering community knowledge and opinions on benefits, concerns and mitigation measures that are essential for a comprehensive Impact Assessment.

IAAC staff also described how the assessment will engage and consult with Indigenous peoples. Developing meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities is important for reconciliation advancement and incorporating Indigenous knowledge into the Impact Assessment.

The CNSC confirmed that for licenses to be approved and site preparation work to commence, the impact assessment must be completed and approved.

“We will verify the research data of the proponent; we will review geoscience characterization and their underground research and we will confirm that their environmental monitoring programs are sufficient,” said CNSC representative Julia Smith.  

The full CLC presentation by the IAAC and CNSC are available online and provides a detailed overview of assessment processes.

Following the educational presentation, the CLC voted to support the South Bruce Summer Camp Program for $4,213 to cover food costs and half of the facilities rental. The committee also voted to cover the cost of shed construction of $4,000 for Sacred Heart Teeswater Parent Council. Funding for these initiatives are provided through the Early Investment in Education and Skills Fund.

Due to the participation of CLC members in the tour of the Onkalo Nuclear Facility in Finland scheduled for July 2-7, the CLC voted to reschedule their upcoming meeting from July 6^th to the following Thursday, July 13^th.

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