On March 12, 2026, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada posted on its public registry site the Response to the Summary of Issues from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization.
On January 5, 2026, the NWMO submitted the Initial Project Description (IPD) to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, formally initiating the regulatory process for the Deep Geological Repository for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project (the Project). The IPD outlines the project’s purpose and need, the preliminary assessment of potential effects, and the NWMO’s proposed approach to mitigation and monitoring.
This document is the NWMO’s response to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada’s Summary of Issues (SOI) that was issued on February 16, 2026, following a 30-day comment period on the NWMO’s Initial Project Description. In this submission, the NWMO provides information to address the consolidated concerns raised by Indigenous Peoples, the public, and government regarding the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project.
The SOI and the NWMO’s response will be used to inform the Agency’s decision on whether to require an impact assessment for the proposed Project and to inform the impact statement guidelines should an assessment be required. This present document contains complete responses to the SOI issued by IAAC, including to concerns raised about transportation of used fuel.
The NWMO recognizes the high level of interest regarding transportation and will be submitting an additional document to consolidate the information on the transportation of used fuel in a single location before the end of the 30-day period allocated for the proponent’s response.
The purpose of the federal regulatory process is for the safety of the repository to be independently confirmed by regulators, including the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission and the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada.
The process follows strict rules and will look at how the deep geological repository could affect the environment, health, and Indigenous Rights before it can be approved. Engagement and relationship building with Indigenous Nations and communities, the public and interested parties is ongoing throughout the multi-year process, with opportunities to have input with the NWMO, the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Geological and Technical Foundation
The proposed repository is centered on the Revell batholith, a stable rock formation selected for its capacity to isolate used nuclear fuel over a million-year timeline. Site-specific research, including boreholes drilled to depths of one kilometer, confirms that the rock mass is highly uniform and located in a seismically quiet region. These natural barriers are designed to prevent the migration of radioactive materials, ensuring that long-term radioactivity levels remain comparable to natural uranium ore found in the environment.
Environmental Protection and Water Management
A primary focus of the NWMO’s response is the protection of local watersheds. The project includes an integrated water management system designed to capture and treat all contact water before it is released. These measures are being developed to meet federal standards as well as the specific regulatory requirements of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) through their Regulatory Assessment and Approval Process. Ongoing monitoring, including five-year updates to the Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment, will track potential impacts on local wildlife and ecosystems.
Transportation Safety and Logistics
The NWMO addresses significant public interest in the transportation of used fuel, which is slated to begin in 2043. The fuel will be transported in certified, high-durability containers engineered to maintain integrity during severe accidents. The logistical plan emphasizes the use of dedicated trains and specialized safety systems. Preliminary analysis by the NWMO indicates that the project will have a minimal impact on regional infrastructure, contributing to an estimated 0.5% increase in traffic on the TransCanada Highway.
Community Governance and Indigenous Rights
The document also highlights social frameworks guiding the project, most notably the Ignace Hosting Agreement. This agreement establishes a formal partnership between the NWMO and the Township of Ignace, creating a joint Implementation Committee to oversee project milestones. Furthermore, the NWMO emphasizes its commitment to Reconciliation, noting that engagement with Indigenous Nations is central to the project’s multi-year regulatory journey. This includes incorporating Indigenous Knowledge into the project’s design and environmental monitoring programs.
Long-Term Monitoring and Closure
The project is designed with a phased approach to safety. Following the emplacement of used fuel, the site will undergo a 100-year period of extended monitoring. During this time, an underground facility will verify the performance of the repository’s containment systems. Once safety objectives are independently confirmed by regulators, the facility will be permanently decommissioned and sealed, providing a passive isolation system that requires no ongoing human intervention.
Click here to read the Response to the Summary of Issues.
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