The first in a series of open houses on the proposed Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) at the Bruce nuclear station near Tiverton is in the books.
Only 17 people attended the meeting last night at the Davidson Centre in Kincardine.
But Marie Wilson — a spokesperson for Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) — says that is typical.
The DGR will be a 680 metre deep vault where low and intermediate level radioactive waste from Ontario’s nuclear power plants will be stored underground.
No used fuel will be kept in the facility.
The Project Officer for the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission was on hand.
Kay Klassen says a Joint Review Panel will make a decision on the Environmental Impact Statement for the development.
She says if the federal government accepts the report from that panel, then a decision will be made on whether or not to grant a licence for the facility.
Paul Gierszewski of the NWMO is involved with the safety analysis for the project.
He says they look at potential impacts on people, the environment, and after the facility is closed, and possible scenarios.
The analysis is done in order to show regulators what sort of safety measures will be taken.
Kincardine Councillor Gordon Campbell was at the open house.
Campbell says he personally doesn’t have a problem with the DGR, but thinks the public needs to be kept informed about the planning process.
A decision on going ahead with the DGR is expected in two years.
Another DGR open house takes place today from 4 PM to 8 PM at the Huron Community Centre in Ripley.
One is planned for Wednesday in Walkerton, and Thursday in Port Elgin.
The open houses continue next week on Monday in Chesley, Tuesday in Owen Sound, and Wiarton on Thursday.