Understanding geoscience runs to the core of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO) site selection efforts, and according to a group of international experts, the NWMO’s work in this area “continues to exceed international practices.”
As the organization responsible for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel, the NWMO regularly seeks advice from internationally recognized specialists. That commitment ensures Canada’s plan for used nuclear fuel is designed to protect people and the environment every single step of the way, and is constantly evaluated to ensure our work is consistent with current knowledge from around the world.
The Adaptive Phased Management Geoscientific Review Group (APM-GRG, abbreviated to GRG) was formed to do just that – to review our work, and provide advice and guidance on our approach, methods, and findings. The GRG helps ensure our understanding of the rock that will surround the repository is based on the most up-to-date science. And in its 2018 annual report, the GRG offered a “very positive” review of the NWMO’s work in this area.
“The GRG feels that the adopted approach and the quality of the studies by the NWMO team and its consultants continue to exceed international practices at this phase of site evaluation,” according to the GRG’s 2018 report.
The 2018 report also offers suggestions to further refine our approach, and its members laud the NWMO for acting on past recommendations “in a timely, transparent and professional manner.”
“The members of the GRG have again provided invaluable advice,” said Sarah Hirschorn, NWMO Manager of Geoscience. “They have confirmed that the NWMO is on the right track as we work towards site selection for a deep geological repository.”
“As always, the members have offered valuable insight and recommendations to help us to further improve our work, and we thank them for confirming the NWMO’s commitment to acting on expert advice,” Ms. Hirschorn continued. “The NWMO is dedicated to seeking and following best practices and learning from international experience, and the GRG plays a crucial role in fulfilling that mandate.”
The GRG is made up of five internationally recognized experts from Canada, Sweden, Switzerland, and Australia. They possess extensive multidisciplinary experience relevant to the siting of a deep geological repository.
Learn more about the GRG members, and read the latest report here.