The Nuclear Waste Management Organization has updated its timeline for site selection of an underground repository.
A preferred site, right now Wabigoon Lake/Ignace or Saugeen/South Bruce, will now be selected by fall 2024.
The agency was hoping for a decision next year but the COVID pandemic derailed plans.
Vice-President of Site Selection Lise Morton says, “We experienced a significant loss of time for face-to-face engagement and interaction, especially in communities exploring their potential to host the project.”
Morton notes, “Making this small adjustment in timing also gives us and the potential host communities additional time to review and absorb new information as they consider if hosting the project aligns with their vision and priorities.”
She adds the NWMO has had a lot of momentum in 2022 that will continue in the year ahead.
The NWMO still hopes to construct the repository in 2033, with it becoming operational in the early 2040s.
