Regulatory oversight by the Government of Canada involves a number of departments and agencies.
Natural Resources Canada monitors the NWMO on an ongoing basis to ensure compliance with the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act and Policy for Radioactive Waste Management and Decommissioning.
Implementation of a deep geological repository falls within federal jurisdiction and is regulated under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) and its associated regulations.
Under Section 26 of the NSCA, activities associated with a nuclear facility can occur only in accordance with a licence issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The CNSC regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials and transportation to protect the health, safety and security of Canadians and the environment. It also implements Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and disseminates objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.
Repositories implemented by the NWMO will be subject to the CNSC’s comprehensive licensing system. The system covers the entire life cycle of the repository from site preparation to design and construction, operations, decommissioning of surface facilities, closure and release from CNSC licensing. This stepwise approach requires a licence through all phases of the repository life cycle. As part of this licensing process, the project will be evaluated for its environmental, economic, social and health impacts.
While regulatory approvals will be sought only after a preferred site with willing hosts has been identified, the NWMO will begin discussions with regulatory agencies early in the process to ensure we understand, and are on the path to meeting, regulatory requirements as they evolve over time.