Federal Government Considers Atikokan Site for Deep Underground Nuclear Waste Repository

The federal government has published notice that it is considering the deep geological repository at Atikokan as a project of national interest under the Building Canada Act. If accepted, the project would undergo an unnamed review process to ensure safety and minimal environmental impact. However, the used nuclear fuel bundles must still be transported from their current locations in Southern Ontario, which requires review, approval, and licensing by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

The proposal hinges on the CNSC review of the used fuel transport from Southern Ontario to the site near Atikokan. The CNSC must determine if the project meets operational standards for the long-term management of nuclear waste.