It is an issue that has been on the table for over 20 years, how and where to store nuclear waste, specifically fuel rods, but recently the initiative took another step forward.
There were plenty of protests against the idea of an underground repository for storing nuclear fuel waste when the issue first raised its head back in the late 1990s, including several in the local area such as Blind River, Elliot Lake and Serpent River.
But the process has moved ahead and according to Northern Ontario Business, the Nuclear Waste Management Organization says it is on track to select a site for its nuclear waste repository by 2023.
Ignace in northwestern Ontario and South Bruce in southern Ontario are the two sites on the shortlist for a geological repository to store used fuel bundles underground.
The organization was tasked in 2002 with the long-term management of the country’s used nuclear fuel recently released its updated five-year strategic plan.
As part of the final site selection process, public input is now being until June 11th.
After a final site is selected, the design and construction of the facility is set to begin in 2033 with operations underway in 2040.
