Issues and Challenges in Assessing Ecological and Human Health Risk From the Siting of SMRs in Canada

Abstract

There are a number of issues and challenges in assessing ecological and human health risk from the siting of small modular reactors (SMRs) in remote, northern or arctic regions. Current environmental guidance for the operation of Canadian nuclear facilities (e.g. CSA N288.1) are largely derived from data and models relevant to temperate regions, with no explicit guidance or parameters for northern and arctic regions. IAEA guidance (TRS-472) provide some data, parameters and description of northern and arctic regions, but there is a paucity of data and models for these regions. In addition, marine, freshwater and terrestrial wildlife often comprise a major part of northern and arctic diets, but there are few data or transfer parameters for these ecosystems. Data and transport models are available for weapon test and Sellafield fission products in northern oceans, but very little is known about ocean circulation or fission product fate and transport in sheltered, coastal areas typical of northern Canada. Baseline data, parameters and models are needed for key processes and pathways to accurately assess ecological and human health risk.