The Nuclear Waste Management Organization has announced additional agreements with landowners in South Bruce as it continues the process of selecting the next site for a deep geological repository to store Canada’s used nuclear fuel.
South Bruce is one of two potential sites in the selection process for the DGR, along with Ignace, Ont.
The NWMO announced earlier this year it had signed agreements with land owners in South Bruce for 1,300 acres. Now, the organization says it has secured just over 1,500 acres north of Teeswater.
A news release from the NWMO says the agreements include a combination of option and purchase agreements, allowing it to conduct studies while the property owners continue to use the land.
The organization has also created a new map showing the location of the potential DGR in South Bruce.
“This is an important milestone in South Bruce, and an expression of confidence in the project. We are thankful for the continued interest in our land access process, and know there is much more to do as we work toward assessing the potential suitability of the site,” says NWMO Vice-President of Site Selection Dr. Mahrez Ben Belfadhel in a statement.
Belfadhel says preparatory work for two exploratory boreholes will begin in the near-term, with drilling expected to start in April 2021.
Additional next steps at the South Bruce site include technical evaluations and environmental baseline monitoring.
The NWMO is undertaking similar studies in the other potential site at Ignace. The organization expects to identify its preferred DGR site by 2023.
NWMO says around 250 acres would be required for above-ground facilities at the potential DGR site in South Bruce. Where those would be located has not yet been determined.
The additional 1,200-plus acres would continue to be used as it is today.
“A key part of the agreements with local land owners is to support local economic activity by ensuring farming will continue to be the primary economic activity on the site,” says Belfadhel. “We’re committed to protecting the environment and farmland, while also minimizing disruption to local businesses.”
The NWMO has also made a commitment to compensate property owners in the event property values were negatively impacted by the project.
South Bruce Mayor Robert Buckle says the plans announced “recognize and address concerns” raised in the community.
“I appreciate that the NWMO is demonstrating that they are working with the residents through this process,” Buckle says.
A community group known as Protect Our Waterways — No Nuclear Waste has been a vocal opponent of the potential DGR in South Bruce. It has called on Mayor Buckle to hold a community vote on the proposal prior to the 2022 municipal election.
More than 15,000 people have endorsed an online petition started by Protect Our Waterways opposing the potential South Bruce DGR. The group’s primary concern is the impact any accident or leak could have on drinking water, health and the environment in the Great Lakes basin.
The NWMO says it continues to engage with Saugeen Ojibway Nation, other Indigenous communities and local municipalities.
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization was created in 2002 by Canada’s nuclear electricity producers. It is responsible for implementing Canada’s plan for the safe, long-term management of used nuclear fuel.