Analyzing Phase 3: Evaluating Management Approaches for Used Nuclear Fuel
This article is part of a series exploring the views and perspectives of youth, artists and community members working with the Melgund Integrated Nuclear Impact Assessment Project. This initiative is a climate entrepreneurship and arts-based community recreation program, developed through community consultation, engagement participation in the integrated impact assessment process for the NWMO’s proposed Deep Geological Repository for nuclear waste fuel.
What is Proposed
The NWMO’s Phase 3 study, as detailed in the Initial Project Description, focused on evaluating management approaches for Canada’s used nuclear fuel through the “Understanding the Choices” discussion document. The proponent claims to have established an assessment framework based on citizen values, ethical principles, and ten specific questions. They highlight a broad national engagement strategy involving 120 sessions across 34 locations to build a “social license” for the project, emphasizing that the implementation process is as critical as the technical approach itself.
Underlying Assumptions
- National consensus from non-impacted urban centers is an adequate substitute for localized, site-specific risk assessments.
- The “10 questions” and “ethical principles” used are universally accepted and sufficiently represent Indigenous and local worldviews.
- “Illustrative economic regions” provide a valid proxy for the unique socio-economic realities of unorganized communities like Dyment and Borups Corners.
- The implementation process can be designed through public “elements” rather than presenting a pre-defined, robust safety suite.
Community Assessment
Our assessment finds that the NWMO’s narrative of broad national consensus systematically dilutes the acute concerns of those living near the Revell site. By aggregating feedback from across Canada, the unique risks to Melgund Township—including potential groundwater contamination and property devaluation—are submerged. The “rigorous assessment” mentioned by the proponent lacks methodological transparency, leaving residents unable to verify safety claims regarding local water tables. Furthermore, the use of generic regional models ignores the fragile economic realities of small communities. This matters because it creates a power imbalance where the burden of identifying safety safeguards is shifted onto the public, rather than being a technical requirement of the proponent. The reliance on “dialogue” functions as a rhetorical shield, prioritizing the optics of participation over the technical rigor required to address life-altering impacts.
Path Forward
To ensure a transparent and fair review, the proponent must explicitly list the “10 questions” and “ethical principles” within the project description. We recommend providing a detailed breakdown of feedback from all 120 sessions, including dissenting views and unresolved concerns. Furthermore, the NWMO must release the full methodologies for risk quantification and identify the independent consultants involved to enhance objectivity. Most importantly, local Indigenous Knowledge must be integrated into technical assessments to ensure the framework reflects a genuine synthesis of worldviews rather than a Western-centric model. Clarification is also required on how the “illustrative economic regions” relate to the specific vulnerabilities of the potential host communities.
About the Integrated Assessment Process
The federal Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) has formally launched the integrated impact assessment process for the proposed Deep Geological Repository (DGR) for Canada’s Used Nuclear Fuel Project, a major national infrastructure initiative led by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO).
The proposed underground repository is designed to permanently contain and isolate used nuclear fuel in a secure geological formation. Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and the Township of Ignace have been selected as host communities for the project. The site is located approximately 21 kilometres southeast of Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation and 43 kilometres northwest of Ignace, Ontario, near Highway 17.
According to project materials, the repository would provide permanent storage for approximately 5.9 million bundles of used nuclear fuel. The full lifecycle of the project is expected to span roughly 160 years, including site preparation, construction, operations, closure, and long-term monitoring.
Integrated Federal Review
Major nuclear projects in Canada are subject to an integrated assessment process jointly led by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). This “one project, one review” approach is intended to streamline regulatory oversight while ensuring rigorous evaluation of environmental, health, social, economic, and Indigenous rights impacts.
Under this framework, IAAC oversees the impact assessment requirements under the Impact Assessment Act, while the CNSC regulates nuclear safety under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. The CNSC will issue the initial site preparation licence and manage all subsequent nuclear licensing for the project’s duration.
The integrated assessment also includes a focus on potential impacts on Indigenous Peoples, including rights, land use, cultural practices, health, and socio-economic conditions. Where potential adverse effects are identified, the process is intended to identify mitigation measures to reduce or avoid harm.
Public Comment Period Now Open
The first public comment period for the project is currently open and will run until February 4, 2026. During this phase, the public is invited to provide feedback on the Summary of the Initial Project Description submitted by the NWMO. Submissions received during this period will inform IAAC’s summary of issues, which will guide the next stages of the impact assessment. All comments submitted become part of the public project record and are posted to the federal Impact Assessment Registry.
This plain-language summary is provided by ECO-STAR North and Art Borups Corners to support public engagement.
Disclaimer: The views and perspectives expressed in this article are solely those of the independent arts program led by ECO-STAR North and Art Borups Corners. They do not reflect the official positions of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) or the Government of Canada.
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