Ontario Power Generation's Deep Geologic Repository

Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) is OPG's proposed repository for the safe storage of low and intermediate level nuclear waste. The DGR would be located adjacent to OPG's Western Waste Management Facility (WWMF) at the Bruce nuclear site, in Kincardine, Ontario.^[1]

The deep geologic repository would store about 200,000 cubic metres of low and intermediate level waste from OPG-owned or operated nuclear generating stations in Ontario. This includes the Bruce, Pickering and Darlington nuclear generating stations. Used fuel would not be stored in the DGR. Much of the waste that would be placed in the DGR is already safely stored at the WWMF in engineered storage structures.

Low level waste consists of materials such as mop heads, rags, paper towels and protective clothing used in nuclear stations during routine operation and maintenance. Intermediate level waste consists primarily of ion-exchange resins and filters used to purify reactor water systems, and used reactor components such as pressure tubes.^[2]

The proposed DGR would be located 680 metres or 2,230 feet below ground, in sedimentary shale and limestone rock formations that have remained stable for more than 450 million years.^[3] The DGR site is located more than one kilometre from any part of Lake Huron.^[4]

OPG is the project proponent. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is the "consultant" to OPG. The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency manages the federal environmental assessment review process, and is co-manager of the Joint Review Panel evaluating OPG's proposal. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is the federal regulator of nuclear facilities, and is responsible for licensing and overseeing nuclear projects, including the proposed underground repository.

See also

• Deep geological repository
• Schacht Asse II
• Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

References