The Nuclear Waste Administration Group (NWMO) has chosen Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation (WLON) to host Canada’s deep geological repository.
The repository will maintain greater than six million used nuclear gas bundles underground.
“This is a historic moment,” mentioned Laurie Swami, president and CEO of the NWMO.
“This project will solve an environmental issue and supports Canada’s climate change goals. Today’s decision was driven by a consent-based siting process led by Canadians and Indigenous peoples. This is what making history looks like.”
The positioning choice course of started in 2010, in search of a web site that “met rigorous safety standards and that has informed and willing hosts.”
Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) close to Southampton, Ont. was additionally a last contender however didn’t come to a willingness determination.
WLON voted in favour of shifting ahead. Additionally agreeing to progress within the course of was the Municipality of South Bruce, inside SON, and the City of Ignace, inside WLON.
A willingness vote was not scheduled by SON previous to the location announcement. The NWMO was trying to decide by Dec. 31.
“We acknowledge the NWMO site selection decision, and we look forward to continuing to work closely as this project enters the regulatory assessment phase,” mentioned Chief Clayton Wetelainen of WLON.
“WLON views our role as the potential host for Canada’s used nuclear fuel as one of the most important responsibilities of our time. We cannot ignore this challenge and allow it to become a burden for future generations.”
Wetelainen continued, saying its membership spoke with a transparent voice in its willingness determination.
“This project can only continue if it can be proven that it will be built safely, with respect to the environment and in a manner that protects Anishnaabe values,” he added.
Subsequent steps will see the challenge start. A information launch from WLON mentioned it’s more likely to be the largest and most strenuous impression evaluation in Canadian historical past.
A regulatory course of might be executed by Impression Evaluation Company of Canada (IAAC) and the Canadian Nuclear Security Fee (CNSC).
WLON may also maintain a sovereign regulatory course of.
“The WLON Regulatory Assessment and Approval Process asserts our sovereign rights while protecting our Anishinaabe values and laws,” mentioned Wetelainen.
“This project will be under intense scrutiny by our Nation’s regulatory process in addition to the regulatory oversight by IAAC and the CNSC. Wabigoon will ensure that safety, environmental protection and Anishnaabe values are upheld throughout this process.”
The NWMO mentioned this challenge brings many advantages for the realm, together with new jobs and investments in group well-being. The challenge has a 175-year timeline.
“We have learned so much from all the communities that took part in this process over the years,” mentioned Lise Morton, NWMO vice-president of web site choice.
“By challenging us, they helped the NWMO grow and become a better organization, and they will directly shape this project.”
– With information from CTV London’s Scott Miller.
