Acknowledgment of Truths
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) outlines its commitment to Indigenous relations regarding the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) project. The doc...
Executive Summary
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has proposed a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) in northwestern Ontario for the long-term isolation of 5.9 mill...
i. Statutory Regulatory and Oversight Framework for the Project
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) outlines the regulatory and social framework for a proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) in Ontario. The pr...
ii. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization and Selection of Adaptive Phased Management
The provided text outlines the historical and regulatory framework for nuclear waste management in Canada, focusing on the Nuclear Waste Management Organization...
iii. Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation Story
This section of the Initial Project Description (IPD) outlines the 12-year engagement journey of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) regarding the proposed ...
iv. Township of Ignace Story
The provided text outlines the Township of Ignace's involvement in the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) project and the broader objectives of the Nuclear Waste ...
Building Relationships with Anishinaabe Peoples of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and Other Indigenous Groups in Canada
The provided text outlines the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) long-term engagement strategy with Indigenous Peoples regarding the implementation...
3.2 Key Issues Raised in Engagement Activities to Date
The provided text outlines the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) engagement activities and future plans regarding the Deep Geological Repository (D...
4. Public and Interested Parties Engagement
This section of the Initial Project Description outlines the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) engagement activities with the public and interested...
4.3.2 Areas of Focus and Shared Commitments with the Township of Ignace
This section of the Initial Project Description (IPD) details the collaborative relationship between the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and the To...
Table 4.2 Roles and Engagement with Federal and Provincial Departments, Ministries and Agencies
This document outlines the roles and engagement activities between the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) and various federal and provincial entities ...
4.5 Plan for Future Public and Interested Parties Engagement
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) outlines its strategy for future public and stakeholder engagement during the regulatory decision-making proces...
5. Regional Assessment
The provided text states that the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) found no existing regional studies or assessments in the immediate vicinity of th...
6. Strategic Assessment
The passage outlines the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) commitment to the Strategic Assessment of Climate Change (SACC) under the Impact Assessm...
B. PROJECT INFORMATION
The provided text outlines the purpose, need, and potential benefits of a proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s used nuclear fuel. It positio...
8. Related Provisions in the Physical Activities Regulations
The provided text outlines the regulatory framework for a proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s used nuclear fuel. It identifies the project ...
9. Activities, Infrastructure, Structures and Physical Works
The provided text outlines the conceptual design and operational lifecycle of a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for used nuclear fuel. It details a multi-barri...
9. Activities, Infrastructure, Structures and Physical Works
The provided text outlines the preliminary site preparation and infrastructure development activities for the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) project. Key acti...
9.5 Construction
This section of the Initial Project Description outlines the construction phase for the Deep Geological Repository (DGR), detailing the development of surface f...
9.5 Construction
The provided text outlines the design and operational framework for a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) intended for Canada’s used nuclear fuel. Key components...
9.6.2 List of Major Activities During Operations
The provided text outlines the operational and decommissioning phases of a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s used nuclear fuel. It details the fun...
9.7.2 Listing of Major Activities for Decommissioning and Closure
The provided text outlines the decommissioning and closure phase for a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s used nuclear fuel. The process involves a...
10. Estimated Maximum Production Capacity of the Project
The document outlines the production capacity and operational processes for a proposed Used Fuel Packaging Plant (UFPP) and Deep Geological Repository (DGR). Th...
11. Anticipated Schedule
The provided text outlines the anticipated schedule for a nuclear-related project, spanning from 2030 to 2193 and beyond. The timeline is divided into four prim...
12. Alternatives To and Alternative Means
This section of the Initial Project Description outlines the alternatives assessed by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) for the long-term managem...
12.1.2.1 OBJECTIVES CONSIDERED IN COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
The provided text outlines eight core objectives used by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) to evaluate options for managing Canada's used nuclear...
12.1.2.2 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDED OPTION
The document outlines the selection of 'Option 4' as the preferred management strategy for Canada's used nuclear fuel. This approach utilizes a Deep Geological ...
12.1.2.3 FEDERAL DECISION AND SUPPORT
The provided text outlines the federal mandate and legislative framework for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) Adaptive Phased Management (APM)...
12.1.3.1 A RESPONSIVE STUDY PROCESS
The provided text outlines the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) three-year study process, 'Choosing a Way Forward,' conducted to fulfill requireme...
12.1.3.2 PROCESS OF COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT WITH THE CANADIAN PUBLIC AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES PHASE 1
The provided text outlines Phase 1 of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) consultation process, titled 'Conversations About Expectations.' This p...
12.1.3.2 PROCESS OF COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT WITH THE CANADIAN PUBLIC AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES Phase 2—Exploring the Fundamental Issues
The provided text outlines Phase 2 of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) study, which focused on defining the scope and values for managing used...
12.1.3.2 PROCESS OF COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT WITH THE CANADIAN PUBLIC AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES Phase 2—Exploring the Fundamental Issues Phase 3—Evaluating Management Approaches
The provided text outlines Phase 3 of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) study, which focused on evaluating management approaches for Canada's u...
12.1.3.2 PROCESS OF COLLABORATIVE DEVELOPMENT WITH THE CANADIAN PUBLIC AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES Phase 4—Finalizing the Study ReportGeneral
The provided text outlines the final phase of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) study to select a long-term approach for Canada's used nuclear ...
C. LOCATION INFORMATION AND CONTEXT
The proposed project is located on Crown land within the Canadian Shield in northwestern Ontario, specifically within the territory of the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway...
14. Biophysical Environment
The provided text outlines the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) biophysical and geoscientific characterization efforts for a proposed Deep Geologi...
14. Biophysical Environment
This document outlines the baseline meteorological and geological data collected by the NWMO for a proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR). The meteorological...
14. SURFACE BEDROCK GEOLOGY
The provided text describes the geological characteristics of the Revell batholith, the proposed site for a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s used...
14.2.2 Summary
The provided text summarizes geological findings for a proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) site, asserting that the granitoid rock at the location is suff...
14.2.3 Planned Work: Surface Bedrock and Deep Geology and Seismicity
The provided text outlines the planned geological and seismic characterization activities for a proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR). It identifies current...
14.3 Geochemistry of Mined or Excavated Materials
The provided text outlines the geochemical characterization of rock core samples at the Revell site to assess the potential for acid rock drainage (ARD) and met...
14.4 Topography, Soil and Sediment
This section of the Initial Project Description outlines the baseline data for topography, surficial soil, and sediment at the proposed Deep Geological Reposito...
14.5 Atmospheric, Acoustic and Visual Environment
This section of the Initial Project Description outlines the baseline data and planned studies for the atmospheric, acoustic, and visual environments at the pro...
14.6 Groundwater and Surface Water
The provided text outlines the baseline hydrogeological and surface water conditions for a proposed Deep Geological Repository. It details the low hydraulic con...
14.6.2 Planned Work: Hydrogeology and Hydrogeochemistry
The provided text outlines the planned hydrogeological, hydrogeochemical, hydrological, and water quality baseline studies for a proposed Deep Geological Reposi...
14.7 Vegetation, Riparian and Wetland Environment
This section of the Initial Project Description details the 2022 baseline data collection for vegetation, riparian, and wetland environments at the proposed pro...
14.8 Fish and Fish Habitat
The provided text outlines the baseline data and planned studies for fish and fish habitat regarding a proposed Deep Geological Repository. It details findings ...
14.9 Birds, Migratory Birds and their Habitat
This section of the Initial Project Description details the baseline data collection for birds and their habitats at the proposed Deep Geological Repository sit...
14.10 Terrestrial Wildlife and Wildlife Habitat
The provided text outlines the baseline terrestrial wildlife and habitat data collected by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) for a proposed Deep ...
14.11 Species at Risk and their Habitat
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) is conducting baseline environmental studies to identify Species at Risk (SAR) and their habitats for the propo...
14.12 Climate Change
The provided text outlines the baseline data and planned work for climate change and ambient radioactivity regarding a proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR)...
15. Health, Social & Economic Context
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) has provided a socio-economic and health baseline overview for the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) project nea...
15.1 Currently Available Baseline Data for Health Conditions
The provided text outlines the baseline health and social conditions for the Ignace and Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) regions in preparation for a Deep Geolog...
15.3 Access to Community Health Care
This section of the Initial Project Description outlines the current healthcare infrastructure and service gaps in Ignace, Dryden, and Sioux Lookout. It identif...
15.4 Traditional Foods and Medicines
The provided text outlines the baseline data and planned assessment for traditional foods and medicines in the regional area of northwestern Ontario for a propo...
15.5 Population and Demographics
This section of the Initial Project Description outlines the population and demographic baseline for communities in proximity to the proposed Deep Geological Re...
15.6 Community and Culture
This section of the Initial Project Description (IPD) outlines the community and cultural baseline for the proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) in Northwes...
15.6 Community and Culture: Local Services Board of Melgund
The provided text describes the Local Services Board (LSB) of Melgund, which encompasses the communities of Dyment and Borups Corners. It characterizes the area...
15.7 Infrastructure and Services
This section of the Initial Project Description outlines the baseline infrastructure and social services for the communities of Ignace, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, a...
15.7 Infrastructure and Services: Unincorporated Communities (Wabigoon, Melgund, Dinorwic)
The provided text describes the infrastructure and housing characteristics of the unincorporated communities of Wabigoon, Melgund, and Dinorwic in Northwestern ...
15.8 Non-Indigenous Land and Resource Use
The provided text outlines the baseline data for non-Indigenous land and resource use regarding the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) proposed Deep...
15.9 Economic Conditions
The provided text outlines the economic baseline for Northwestern Ontario in relation to a proposed Deep Geological Repository project. It characterizes the reg...
18. Indigenous, Federal and Provincial Environmental Approvals
This section of the Initial Project Description outlines the multi-jurisdictional regulatory framework governing the proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR). ...
E. POTENTIAL EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT
This section of the Initial Project Description outlines the framework for assessing the potential environmental, social, and economic effects of the Deep Geolo...
Table 19.1: Valued Components and Associated Measurement Indicators and Assessment Endpoints
The provided text presents Table 19.1 from an Initial Project Description for a Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s used nuclear fuel. It categorize...
19.2.2 Methods
The provided text outlines the methodology for assessing the environmental and social impacts of a proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for nuclear fuel. I...
Table 19.4: Pathways of Change Screening for Intermediate and Valued ComponentsGeneral
The provided text is a comprehensive screening table (Table 19.4) from the Initial Project Description for the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s U...
19.2.3.1 AIR QUALITY
The provided text outlines the anticipated air quality impacts of the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) project, identifying various criteria air contaminants (C...
19.2.3.3 NOISE, VIBRATION AND LIGHT
The provided text outlines the anticipated impacts of noise, vibration, and light from the construction and operation of a Deep Geological Repository (DGR). It ...
19.2.3.4 HYDROGEOLOGY
The provided text outlines the preliminary hydrogeological assessment for a Deep Geological Repository project. It identifies potential impacts on groundwater l...
19.2.3.5 HYDROLOGY AND SURFACE WATER QUALITY
This section of the Initial Project Description evaluates the potential impacts of the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) on hydrology and surface water quality. ...
19.2.3.6 TOPOGRAPHY, SOILS AND SEDIMENT
This section of the Initial Project Description evaluates the potential impacts of the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) on topography, soils, and sediment. It i...
19.2.3.7 FISH AND FISH HABITAT
This section of the Initial Project Description outlines the potential impacts of the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) on fish and fish habitat. It identifies v...
19.2.3.8 VEGETATION, RIPARIAN AND WETLAND ENVIRONMENTS
The document outlines the potential impacts of the Deep Geological Repository project on vegetation, riparian, and wetland environments across all project phase...
19.2.3.9 MIGRATORY AND SPECIES AT RISK BIRDS
This section of the Initial Project Description (IPD) for the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) outlines the baseline conditions and potential impacts on migrato...
19.2.3.10 TERRESTRIAL WILDLIFE AND WILDLIFE HABITAT
The NWMO's Initial Project Description for the Deep Geological Repository outlines potential impacts on terrestrial wildlife, identifying various species includ...
19.2.3.11 NON-INDIGENOUS HEALTH CONDITIONS
The provided text outlines the NWMO's approach to assessing and mitigating health impacts on non-Indigenous populations for the Deep Geological Repository proje...
19.2.3.12 NON-INDIGENOUS ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
The provided text outlines the preliminary assessment of non-Indigenous economic and social conditions for the Deep Geological Repository (DGR) project. The pro...
20. Potential Changes to the Environment on Federal Lands or Lands Outside Ontario
The provided text asserts that the proposed nuclear waste management project will not affect federal lands or environments outside of Ontario. It clarifies the ...
21. Potential Effects on Anishinaabe People of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and Other Indigenous Groups Identified in Section 3
The NWMO's Initial Project Description outlines the preliminary framework for assessing impacts on the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) and other Indigenous ...
22. Estimate of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The passage provides a preliminary estimate of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions for the proposed used nuclear fuel repository. It identifies Scope 1 and 2 emissio...
24. Environmental Management System
The provided text outlines the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO) Environmental Management System (EMS) for a proposed project. It details the gov...
25. Overall Conclusions and Path Forward
The provided text serves as the concluding section of the Initial Project Description for Canada's Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for used nuclear fuel. It po...
Acknowledgement of Truths from the Initial Project Description (IPD) Consolidated Engagement Report: Public and Interested Parties (Appendix)
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) acknowledges the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) as willing hosts for a proposed Deep Geological Repository...
Introduction, Purpose and Engagement Tools: Initial Project Description (IPD) Consolidated Engagement Report (Appendix)
This report details the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) engagement activities for the Initial Project Description (IPD) of the Deep Geological Re...
5. Identification of Public and Interested Parties: Initial Project Description (IPD) Consolidated Engagement Report (Appendix)
This section of the Initial Project Description (IPD) identifies the primary and secondary stakeholders for the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) p...
6. Summary of Issues and Areas of Interest: Initial Project Description (IPD) Consolidated Engagement Report (Appendix)
This document summarizes public feedback from eight engagement sessions regarding the NWMO's proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) project. The feedback is ...
7. Next Steps: Future Public Engagement Activities: Initial Project Description (IPD) Consolidated Engagement Report (Appendix)
The NWMO outlines its plan to submit the Initial Project Description (IPD) to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) in Fall 2025, signaling the start of...
General
This document is an appendix to the Initial Project Description (IPD) prepared by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) in December 2025. It serves t...
Section 2: Commitments Made in the Initial Project Description Appendix (APM-REP-05000-0217-R000)
This document outlines the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) commitments to additional baseline data collection for the Deep Geological Repository ...
Section 3. Environmental Design Features: Commitments Made in the Initial Project Description Appendix (APM-REP-05000-0217-R000)
The document outlines the 'Environmental Design Features' for Canada's Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for used nuclear fuel. It distinguishes these 'built-in'...
4. Mitigation, Protection and Enhancement Measure Commitments: Commitments Made in the Initial Project Description Appendix (APM-REP-05000-0217-R000)
This document outlines the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) proposed mitigation, protection, and enhancement measures for the Deep Geological Repo...
5. Monitoring Commitments- Commitments Made in the Initial Project Description Appendix (APM-REP-05000-0217-R000)
The provided text outlines the Nuclear Waste Management Organization's (NWMO) monitoring and engagement framework for a proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR...
7. Climate Change Commitments - Commitments Made in the Initial Project Description Appendix (APM-REP-05000-0217-R000)
The NWMO outlines its commitment to Canada's climate goals by providing estimated Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions for the project's construction and oper...
Understanding the Impacts of Nuclear Waste on our Community
This digital archive houses the public comments submitted to the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada regarding Project 88774: The Nuclear Waste Management Organization Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada's Used Nuclear Fuel Project. The impact assessment is led jointly by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. This archive preserves community perspectives, concerns, and observations shared during the assessment process, particularly in relation to Melgund Township, Northwestern Ontario and the communities of Dyment and Borups Corners who are the closest and most impacted of all in the process.