Deep Geological Repository Environmental Assessment Process
The development of a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for low and intermediate-level waste (L&ILW) is a complex undertaking requiring rigorous regulatory oversight. Following a Hosting Agreement between Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Municipality of Kincardine, a comprehensive Environmental Assessment (EA) process was launched to ensure the project meets stringent safety and environmental standards.
The process is governed by two primary legislative frameworks: the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, which empowers the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to regulate nuclear facilities, and the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA), which mandates the evaluation of potential environmental impacts.
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Key Facts
- Initiation: OPG submitted the initial proposal to build the DGR in December 2005.
- Regulatory Bodies: The project is overseen by the CNSC and the federal Minister of the Environment.
- Review Panel: A Joint Review Panel was established in 2012 to evaluate the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
- Outcome: The Panel published a 450-page report on May 6, 2015, endorsing the project.
- Scope of Alternatives: OPG identified that over 70% of Ontario consists of technically and economically feasible geologic regions (Crystalline and Sedimentary rock).
The Path to Environmental Review (2005–2011)
The journey began in December 2005 when OPG proposed the site and construction of the DGR. Because the project required approval from the CNSC, it triggered a federal environmental assessment under the CEAA (1999). Due to the project's nature, the Minister of the Environment referred the assessment to a review panel in June 2007.
By January 26, 2009, the Government of Canada issued the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Guidelines and the Panel Agreement. These documents defined the minimum information OPG needed to provide to analyze potential environmental effects and the requirements for the Licence to Prepare Site and Construct. OPG formally submitted its EIS in 2011.
The Joint Review Panel (2012–2015)
Established on January 24, 2012, the Joint Review Panel served a dual purpose: acting as a review panel under CEAA 1999 for the environmental assessment and as a commission panel under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act for the license application. When the CEAA 2012 legislation took effect in July 2012, the Panel Agreement was amended to ensure the review continued under the updated laws.
The Panel emphasized transparency and public engagement, utilizing the following methods:
- Public Hearings: Conducted in Kincardine and Saugeen Shores, Ontario.
- Digital Feedback: Comments were accepted via the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry.
- Financial Support: The CEAA Participant Funding Program provided resources for various groups to voice their concerns.
- Rigorous Inquiry: The Panel issued 515 requests for additional information to OPG to ensure the EIS met all guidelines.
On May 6, 2015, the Panel released its 450-page report. It concluded that the DGR project was unlikely to cause significant adverse environmental effects, provided that OPG implemented the committed and recommended mitigation measures.
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Requests for Additional Information and Site Alternatives
Despite the Panel's endorsement, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, requested further studies on February 18, 2016. The Minister sought more detail on three specific areas:
- Technically and economically feasible alternate locations.
- Cumulative environmental effects.
- An updated list of mitigation commitments for adverse effects under CEAA 2012.
In response, OPG analyzed the entire province of Ontario. On December 28, 2016, OPG submitted findings identifying two broad geographic regions that met the feasibility criteria: Crystalline Rock (central and northern Ontario) and Sedimentary Rock (southwestern Ontario). Together, these regions encompass more than 70% of Ontario's landmass.
Final Decision Framework
The timeline for the final Decision Statement was extended by the Governor in Council on December 12, 2016, pushing the deadline into August 2017. Under the amended agreements, the final approval process follows a specific sequence:
| Authority | Responsibility | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Minister of the Environment | Environmental Assessment Review | Decision Statement (under CEAA 2012) |
| CNSC | Licence Application Review | Issuance of Licence to Prepare Site and Construct |
The Minister's environmental decision statement serves as a critical component that the CNSC considers before issuing the final license for the DGR project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Joint Review Panel?
The Joint Review Panel was created to simultaneously conduct an environmental assessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act and review the license application under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act.
How did the public participate in the DGR assessment?
The public participated through hearings in Kincardine and Saugeen Shores, online submissions via the Canadian Environmental Assessment Registry, and through groups supported by the CEAA Participant Funding Program.
What were the findings regarding alternate locations for the DGR?
OPG determined that over 70% of Ontario is technically and economically feasible for a DGR, specifically within the Crystalline Rock regions of central/northern Ontario and the Sedimentary Rock regions of southwestern Ontario.
Did the Joint Review Panel approve the project?
Yes, in its May 6, 2015 report, the Panel endorsed the project, concluding that it would not likely cause significant adverse environmental effects if mitigation measures were implemented.
Who makes the final decision on the DGR license?
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is responsible for the license decision, taking into account the environmental assessment decision statement issued by the Minister of the Environment.