Preparing for regulatory decision-making

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Following site selection in 2024, the regulatory decision-making process will begin. In 2023, we continued to build our readiness for this rigorous process, which is designed to ensure the project will protect people and the environment.

This will include submitting an impact assessment, the requirements of which are set out in the Impact Assessment Act. It involves a detailed analysis of the project’s contributions to sustainability and environmental, socio-economic and health impacts, as well as impacts on the rights of Indigenous peoples.

The work to support regulatory decision-making processes will require extensive engagement with and participation from Canadians and Indigenous peoples to ensure key issues are meaningfully addressed. Technical materials will have to meet the requirements of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act. While the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is responsible for the oversight of the initial approval process for the project, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) will regulate its entire life cycle.

The materials we develop for the regulatory process will need to meet the requirements of the impact assessment and CNSC licensing. The work of preparing those materials has begun, and as they are further developed, the NWMO will continue to engage with the Indigenous and municipal communities.

To ensure we are prepared for the regulatory decision-making process, we also increased our dialogue with the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada, the CNSC, Natural Resources Canada and other federal departments to provide insight into our ongoing work and to seek guidance to support preparation of regulatory submissions.