Comparison of Risks from Deep Geological Disposal and Extended Storage Approaches to the Long-Term Management of Used Fuel

Abstract

The Nuclear Waste Management Organization has a mandate from the Government of Canada to consult with the public and to recommend an approach for managing Canada's used nuclear fuel. Three main fuel management methods are being explored and evaluated: disposal in a Deep Geological Repository; reactor-site extended storage; and centralized extended storage, either above ground or below ground. In this study, the management methods were reviewed to estimate potential risks at each stage of their development. The risk assessment presented is based on a combination of operating experience at the nuclear sites in Ontario (Pickering, Darlington, Bruce) as well as Canadian and international assessments.