Small Modular Reactors (SMR) in Saskatchewan: Developing Surficial Geological Siting Criteria

Abstract

This research is to determine the optimal surficial geology parameters for siting a small modular reactor (SMR) in Saskatchewan. To develop the criteria required to determine geologically sound sites, existing digital databases of the geology, along with cross-sections, borehole logs, detailed overburden geotechnical maps and reports were obtained. Fourteen criteria were chosen that best apply to the surficial conditions in Saskatchewan. From the criteria data, a surficial geology siting index was created that ranked surficial geotechnical conditions from which a site could be assessed and compared with other sites.Data for the index can be obtained from available data sets and the addition of field sedimentological measurements and laboratory testing to improve the precision and accuracy of the scaling exercise. The index is further sub-divided into four units based on the most common surficial deposits in Saskatchewan, glaciolacustrine, glaciofluvial, aeolian and morainal environments for which individual index criteria have been created.