South Bruce residents may see additional activity near the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO) study site as 3D seismic surveys begin in November 2021. This program will provide valuable information in the continued exploration to understand the site’s suitability for a deep geological repository to host Canada’s used nuclear fuel. 

The survey is done using special trucks (pictured above) that send vibrations into the ground. These vibrations can only be felt in a very tight radius of about 1.5 metres and will not impact livestock or wildlife. Local landowners and the municipality have been notified as we continue communication with people in the community.

“The seismic imaging and analysis are part of the NWMO’s broader site investigation to enhance our ongoing knowledge of the South Bruce site and whether it can meet the robust regulatory requirements,” said NWMO Geophysicist Mostafa Khorshidi. “The launch of this program marks an important milestone for our team, and we are excited to gather this important data.”

The 3D seismic surveys use a principle similar to medical ultrasound (sonography) for imaging the interior of the human body. In this case, the waves travel through the ground and are reflected at boundaries between rock layers to create an image of the subsurface.

Residents are asked to please follow all traffic signage in the area where the work is taking place. The 3D seismic surveys will continue through the fall.

For more information, please email jzettel@nwmo.ca or visit our office in Teeswater at 12B Clinton Street.