Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management

Transcription

1 Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management Canada s Presentation to the 5th Review Meeting Country Group #7, 13 May 2015, Vienna

2 Objectives of the Joint Convention To achieve and maintain a high level of safety in spent fuel and radioactive waste management To protect individuals, society and the environment from ionizing radiation To prevent accidents and if necessary mitigate the consequences of such accidents 2

3 Outline of Canada s Presentation Section 1 Highlights of Canada s Report, and International Peer Reviews to Canada Section 2 Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission: Regulatory Framework and Initiatives Update Section 3 Canada s Legislative and Policy Framework Section 4 Management of Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste at CNL sites Section 5 Long-term Management of Low- and Intermediate-Level Radioactive Waste from Nuclear Power Plants Section 6 Long-term Management of Canada s Spent Fuel Section 7 Responses to 4th RM, Questions on National Report, Planned Activities, Good Practices, Challenges, Conclusions, Recommendations and Overarching Issues Appendix A Canada s Matrix Download Report 3

4 Canada s Commitment to Safety Comprehensive Legislative/Regulatory Framework Independent, open and transparent regulator Licensees are responsible for safety Nuclear industry in Canada is committed to nuclear safety Initiatives to address long-term waste management policies 4

5 Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management HIGHLIGHTS OF CANADA S REPORT AND INTERNATIONAL PEER REVIEWS TO CANADA Presented by Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission 5

6 Highlights of Canada s Report Safety Record Excellent safety record during reporting period Licensees fulfilled their responsibilities for safety and their regulatory obligations No radiation exposures exceeded the regulatory limits to workers, the public or the environment No events occurred above INES 0 Enhanced Sealed Source Tracking System and facilitating returns of sealed source to Canada for recycling and longterm management 6

7 Highlights of Canada s Report Safety Enhancements Continuous safety enhancements Licence renewal and life extension processes drive improvements based on evaluations against: Modern codes and standards Operating experience (OPEX) Re-evaluation of dam safety following Mount Polley dam breach event Review of WIPP incident report Research findings Improved analytical methods Lessons learned and actions arising from the Fukushima Daiichi accident Annual reporting to the Commission on licensee Regulatory Performance 7

8 Highlights of Canada s Report Waste Management Programs required at all CNSC-licensed facilities Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Industry has demonstrated a sustainable return mechanism for sealed sources Uniform design Optimized for recycling 8

9 Highlights of Canada s Report: Closure of the IRRS Follow-up Mission Progress report to the IRRS follow-up mission to Canada Recommendations and suggestions addressed and closed 2009 mission and 2011 follow-up mission Fukushima Module suggestions and recommendations arising from 2011 follow-up mission : Enhancement to Emergency Management closed through the CNSC Integrated Action Plan Enhancement to transport regulations in order to reference latest IAEA Regulations for the Safe Transport of Radioactive Materials (SSR-6) IRRS findings highlighted in Canada s national report and this presentation IRRS reports and management response published on CNSC public website 9

10 International Peer Reviews World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Members include NPP licensees and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Evaluations done every two years at each NPP Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) 4 missions done in Canada since 1983 Next mission planned for November 30 December 17, 2015 Mission to the Bruce B Nuclear Generating Station Request for OSART follow-up mission 18 months after OSART mission International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) Mission includes site visit to an NPP, a radioactive waste management facility and a research reactor planned for October 19 30,

11 Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management CANADIAN NUCLEAR SAFETY COMMISSION REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND INITIATIVES UPDATE Presented by Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission 11

12 Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission Established May 2000, under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act Replaced the Atomic Energy Control Board of the 1946 Atomic Energy Control Act 69 Years Of Nuclear Safety 12

13 The Commission Independent, quasi-judicial tribunal and court of record Consists of up to seven members appointed under the authority of the Nuclear Safety and Control Act One member is designated as President of the Commission and Chief Executive Officer of the CNSC Supported by scientific, technical and professional staff Only federal court can review the decision of the Commission 13

14 CNSC regulates all nuclear-related facilities and activities Uranium mines and mills Uranium fuel fabricators and processing Nuclear power plants Nuclear substance processing Industrial and medical applications Nuclear research and educational Transportation Export/import control Security and Safeguard Waste management facilities From Cradle to Grave 14

15 Regulatory Oversight of Waste Management in Canada Licensed Facilities in Canada CNSC Independent Regulator Spent Fuel Intermediate-Level Radioactive Waste Low-Level Radioactive Waste Uranium Mine and Mill Tailings Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) Ongoing Legacy Ongoing Legacy Historic Operating Inactive APM project under Nuclear Fuel Waste Act No licence application to date Ontario Power Generation (OPG) Hydro-Québec (HQ) New Brunswick Power (NB Power) Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Nordion AECL CNL OPG HQ CNL NB Power Cameco Waste Nuclear Substances Licensees AECL CNL Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Office (LLRWMO) Cameco AREVA Provinces Former operators 15

16 Waste Management Facilities/Areas Uranium Mines and Tailings Sites 9 Radioactive Waste Sites Active 1 - Key Lake 2 - Rabbit Lake 3 - McArthur 4 - McClean Lake 5 - Cigar Lake Inactive / Decommissioned 1 - Key Lake 2 - Rabbit Lake 6 - Beaver Lodge 7 - Gunnar 8 - Lorado 9 - Port radium 10 - Rayrock 11 to 18 - Elliot Lake Area Sites: Quirke, Panel, Denison, Lancor, Nordic, Pronto, Spanish-American, Stanrock, Stanleigh 19 - Agnew Lake 20 to 22 - Bancroft Area Sites: Madawaska, Bicroft, Dyno 23 - Cluff Lake 24 - Deloro Low Level Intermediate Level High Level Active Sites 25 - Blind River 26 - Bruce NGS 27 - Pickering 28 - Darlington 29 - Point Lepreau 30 - Chalk River Laboratories Inactive / Decommissioned 31 - Douglas Point 32 - Rolphton NPD 33 - Gentilly 1, Gentilly 2 NGS 34 - Whiteshell Laboratories 35 - Port Hope, Port Granby, Welcome

17 CNSC Regulatory Framework and Philosophy The Nuclear Safety and Control Act is the enabling legislation The Commission makes regulations through a transparent process Regulatory requirements are continuously updated based on a systematic and transparent process Reflected in a comprehensive 10-year plan Aligned with IAEA safety standards Adoption of national and international standards in regulatory framework Extensive consultation is held with all stakeholders Starts with discussion papers that are open and transparent Comments solicited for draft regulatory documents Resolution of comments published for stakeholder review Public input sought prior to final issuance Regulatory philosophy is risk-informed 17

18 CNSC Principles for Waste Management The licensees waste program should encompass: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Plan for the complete life of the facility, including financial guarantees Defence-in-depth never rely on a single system or process for protection 18

19 Five Stages of Licensing for Nuclear Facilities Site preparation Site construction Site operation Decommissioning Release from licensing Staged Approach / Early Planning 19

20 Commission Authorization Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, 2012 (CEAA 2012) delegates responsibility for conducting reviews of environmental assessments to the CNSC The CNSC has always conducted environmental assessments under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Memoranda of Understanding with other federal and provincial regulatory agencies Commission authorization is required before any licensed activities are carried out One Project, One Regulator 20

21 Conclusions of the Joint Review Panel EA Report The DGR is the solutions for the long-term management of L&ILW Underground disposal has lower risks that surface storage The DGR should be built now rather than later There is a strong safety case for the DGR The proposed DGR is not for the disposal of spent fuel Download Report 21

22 Conclusions of the Joint Review Panel EA Report (cont.) The Panel obtained information regarding project affects on Aboriginal interests and concludes: not likely to cause significant adverse effects on aboriginal interests The Bruce nuclear site is appropriate Worker and public health and safety will be protected Rigourous and reliable adaptive management systems will be required The DGR project will not affect Lake Huron 22

23 Regulatory Oversight Compliance and Enforcement Inspections and verifications Enforcement: Graduated approach Nuclear Safety and Control Act amended in 2012 to introduce administrative monetary penalties Monetary penalties for the violation of a regulatory requirement Can be applied to a person or corporation Maximum of $25,000 for individuals and $100,000 for corporations 23

24 Enhancing Communications and Public Education Post Fukushima Accident Video simulation of postulated accident Illustrates sequence of events following highly unlikely total station blackout at a CANDU NPP and demonstrates measures in place to prevent and/or mitigate accident progression CNSC public website and social media Pages revised (clear, simple language) to add information on emergency preparedness, transportation, nuclear substances and radiation protection Facebook page launched in February 2012, YouTube channel launched in January 2013 Crisis website Pre-populated and ready for use in the event of a significant nuclear event 24

25 Openness and Transparency Regulatory requirement for licensee programs on proactive disclosure and public information Participant Funding Program Public participation during CNSC hearings or meetings: Use of webcasts for public hearings/meetings Held in local communities Licensee conducting outreach (photo courtesy New Brunswick Power) 25

26 Early Regulatory Involvement in Long Term Management of Spent Fuel Independent Advisory Group established in February 2015 to provide advice to CNSC staff; composed of geoscientists from several Canadian universities and the Geological Survey of Canada Independent research program Since 1978, the CNSC has been involved in independent research and assessment on geological repositories International collaboration CNSC belongs to six international research groups that exchange information and knowledge on geological repositories CNSC role will expand and adapt as initiative progresses 26

27 Fukushima - CNSC Action Plan Integrates reviews and recommendations CNSC Fukushima Task Force External Advisory Committee IAEA/IRRS follow-up mission Applies to all nuclear facilities and CNSC Strengthening defence-in-depth Enhancing emergency response Improving regulatory framework and processes Enhancing international collaboration Enhancing communications and public education Shift In Regulatory Focus from Accident Prevention to Accident Prevention and Mitigation CNSC Integrated Action Plan 27

28 Spent Fuel Pools Review of Safety Case Spent fuel remains in wet storage for a limited time only (7-10 years) prior to being transferred to dry storage Dry storage containers have been confirmed to be robust and able to withstand an extreme event Included in Probabilistic Safety Assessment of Nuclear Power Plants 28

29 Fukushima Canada s Response Analyses and Reassessments Structural integrity check for pool temperatures above design values Design Improvements Instrumentation to measure water level and temperature Piping and connections for external addition of water Operating Procedure for loss of cooling Permanent piping to spent fuel pool Strengthening Defence-in-depth 29

30 Enhancing Emergency Preparedness (Onsite) Incorporating Severe Accident Management into emergency plans for multi-unit events and spent fuel bays Backup power and telecommunications Station boundary monitoring and dose modelling Bruce Power: New emergency response command and control facilities were demonstrated during Huron Challenge emergency exercise in October 2012 OPG Command Centre McMaster (research reactor) emergency exercise 30

31 Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management CANADA S LEGISLATIVE AND POLICY FRAMEWORK Presented by Natural Resources Canada 31

32 Legislative Framework in Canada Nuclear comes under federal jurisdiction CNSC is Canada s single nuclear regulator Independent reports to Parliament through the Minister of Natural Resources Nuclear Safety and Control Act (2000) includes safe spent fuel and radioactive waste management Government of Canada s legislative framework Nuclear Energy Act (1985, amended in 2011) Nuclear Fuel Waste Act (2002) Nuclear Liability Act (1985, to be replaced in 2016) 32

33 Government of Canada Radioactive Waste Policy Framework (1996) The Federal Government will ensure that long-term radioactive waste management is carried out in a safe, environmentally sound, comprehensive, cost-effective and integrated manner The Federal Government has the responsibility to develop policy, to regulate and to oversee owners to ensure that they comply with legal requirements and meet their funding and operational responsibilities in accordance with approved disposal plans The waste owners are responsible for the funding, organization and operation of the waste management facilities required for their wastes 33

34 Recent Government of Canada Decisions and Initiatives Restructuring of AECL Restructuring Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) to reduce costs and risks to Canadian taxpayers while positioning nuclear industry to succeed Phase 1 completed in 2011 with sale of AECL s CANDU Reactor Division to Candu Energy Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of SNC-Lavalin Phase 2 currently underway, aims at putting in place government-owned, contractor-operated (GoCo) model at Canada s nuclear laboratories These laboratories are currently being operated by a wholly owned subsidiary of AECL known as Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ltd. (CNL) Once restructuring complete, the objective of GoCo model is to bring private-sector rigour and efficiency to leverage capabilities of the nuclear laboratories 34

35 Recent Government of Canada Decisions and Initiatives Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act February 26, 2015: Canada s Parliament passed the Nuclear Liability and Compensation Act (NLCA) to: establish stronger legislation to better deal with liability and compensation for a nuclear accident implement Canadian membership in IAEA Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage Addresses the liability and compensation regime for certain nuclear activities, including the management and transportation of spent fuel and radioactive waste Entry into force of the NLCA will likely occur in late 2015 or early 2016 after: key regulations put in place insurance policy form and related documents approved by Minister Following entry into force of the NLCA, Canada will ratify the IAEA Convention Liability cap increased to $1 billion 35

36 Recent Government of Canada Decisions and Initiatives Extension and Transition of the NLLP Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program (NLLP) Implementing long-term strategy to deal with legacy waste and decommissioning liabilities at AECL sites Initiated in 2006, has received more than $1.15 billion in funding over nine years Significant progress made in reducing risks and liabilities through decommissioning, waste management, and site restoration projects and activities In 2013, AECL completed a review of its long-term decommissioning strategy and updated its cost estimate to complete the NLLP to about $10 billion (current day Canadian dollars) Once the restructuring of the nuclear laboratories is complete, the NLLP will be fully integrated into the GoCo contract $1.15 billion in Government funding since

37 Recent Government of Canada Decisions and Initiatives Implementation of the Port Hope Area Initiative Government of Canada s cleanup program for 1.7 million m 3 low-level radioactive waste from legacy uranium ore processing in the Port Hope area Very low radiological risk The CNSC issued licences for the Port Hope Project and Port Granby Project in 2009 and 2011 respectively CNSC is responsible for regulatory oversight CNL, the licensee, is responsible for project implementation In 2012, Government of Canada announced funding of $1.3 billion to complete cleanup over next 10 years $1.3 billion in Government funding over next 10 years 37

38 Port Hope Area Initiative Access roads to future facilities completed/upgraded, water treatment plants constructed; and efforts now focussed on major clean-up contracts to be awarded Following AECL restructuring, PHAI will also to be delivered under the GoCo contract Port Granby Project Waste Water Treatment Plant at site of Long-Term Waste Management Facility in southeast Clarington (photo courtesy CNL) Port Hope Property Radiological Survey exterior gamma radiation testing (photo courtesy CNL) 38

39 Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management MANAGEMENT OF SPENT FUEL AND RADIOACTIVE WASTE AT CANADIAN NUCLEAR LABORATORIES SITES Presented by Canadian Nuclear Laboratories 39

40 Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste Managed by CNL Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program Chalk River Laboratories Whiteshell Laboratories Douglas Point prototype power reactor Nuclear Power Demonstration (NPD) prototype power reactor Gentilly-1 prototype power reactor LaPrade Heavy Water Plant Historical Waste Port Hope Area Initiative Low level Radioactive Waste Management Office Whiteshell Laboratories Nuclear Power Demonstration Douglas Point Gentilly-1 LaPrade Heavy Water Plant Port Hope Area Initiative Chalk River Laboratories 40

41 Spent Fuel Management Facilities Waste Management Area B at Chalk River Laboratories NPD Canister Storage Facility at Chalk River Laboratories In-ground tile holes at Chalk River Laboratories 41

42 Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) The Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) are located on the south shore of the Ottawa River in the province of Ontario, 160 kilometres northwest of Canada s national capital, Ottawa. Chalk River Laboratories Aerial View of Chalk River Laboratories, Ontario Photo courtesy AECL 42

43 Chalk River Laboratories: Addressing Health, Safety and Environment Priorities The Fuel Packaging and Storage Project Goals Retrieve spent research reactors fuel from early degraded tile holes Transport the fuel to a new facility for repacking, vacuum drying, and storage Project status Inactive commissioning completion in 2014 Facility operation is planned for 2015 Fuel Packaging and Storage (FPS) Project. (photo courtesy CNL) 43

44 Global Threat Reduction Initiative CNL HEU Repatriation Program Goals Retrieve highly enriched uranium (HEU) fuel rods and target residue materials Repackage for transportation Repatriation to the United States to reprocess for peaceful purposes Project status Fuel Rod Repatriation to commence 2015 Target Residue Material Repatriation to commence 2016 Fuel baskets Target residue material container Transport package - fuel 44

45 Chalk River Laboratories: Progress on Addressing Liabilities Stored Liquid Cementation Project Goals Retrieve ~240 m 3 of radioactive liquid wastes from 20 storage tanks Retrieve and condition the wastes to a solid cemented product Emplacement of the cemented wastes in interim storage facilities Place the emptied tanks in a safe shutdown state Project Status Preliminary cement formulations have been developed for all waste types Supply chain engaged for development of conceptual design and cost-estimate to carry out the project from detailed design through to project closeout Reviewing next steps to advance the project Cemented waste product test cubes prepared using simulated wastes (photo courtesy CNL) Formulations were successfully tested on active samples taken from the tanks (photo courtesy CNL) 45

46 Chalk River Laboratories: Progress on Addressing Liabilities Environmental Remediation Goal Reduce risks associated with environmental contamination of CRL lands Project Status Detailed surface and sub-surface characterization of Waste management Areas (operational and closed) and affected lands Emplacement of an engineered cover over a closed waste management area to reduce infiltration of into the area Installation of a second permeable reactive barrier to remove Sr-90; project to replace existing Pump and Treat systems well underway Waste Management Area C before and after engineered cover installation (photo courtesy CNL) 46

47 Chalk River Laboratories: Progress to date Decommissioning of Shutdown Buildings Monitor, maintain, and repair shutdown buildings as required Program involves demolition of redundant buildings mainly wooden structures, contaminated and non-contaminated Decommissioning of CNL s former Heavy Water Upgrading Facility (HWUF) and NRX Stack Duct completed; end-states defined for regulatory approval Before and after pictures showing extent of decommissioning activities in the HWUP facility (photos courtesy CNL) 47

48 Decommissioning Progress: Prototype Reactors Monitor, maintain, and repair Prototype Reactors as required Three Phase approach to decommissioning: Phase 1 Facilities brought to a safe state Phase 2 Storage with surveillance Phase 3 Final decommissioning All Prototype Reactors are currently in Phase 2 Douglas Point (photo courtesy CNL) Nuclear Power Demonstration (photo courtesy CNL) Gentilly-1 (photo courtesy CNL) 48

49 Whiteshell Laboratories Where AECL pioneered the development of dry storage containment facilities for used nuclear fuel, a technology that is now in use throughout the world. The site is no longer operating and is currently being decommissioned. Whiteshell Laboratories Aerial view of Whiteshell Laboratories, Manitoba (photo courtesy CNL) 49

50 Decommissioning Progress: Whiteshell Laboratories Completed a new strategic plan for the Whiteshell Laboratories Decommissioning Project B300 Radioisotope Laboratories decommissioned, decontaminated, ready for demolition Preparation and planning underway for decommissioning of the WR-1 reactor Remediation of Cesium Experimental Pond completed WR-1 Research Reactor (photo courtesy CNL) 50

51 Waste Management Program Per Regulatory direction, requirements and processes established for waste management activities Program objectives: Lifecycle improvements Assisting/training waste generators: focus on segregation and minimization Oversight to ensure activities meet regulatory requirements Continuous improvement in waste reduction, recycling and reuse, expanding characterization capabilities Gamma spectrometer in mobile trailer (photo courtesy CNL) Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Waste clearance facility for free release (photo courtesy CNL) 51

52 Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT OF LOW- AND INTERMEDIATE- LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE FROM NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS Presented by Ontario Power Generation 52

53 Low- and Intermediate-Level Waste Interim Storage All low- and intermediate-level waste (L&ILW) produced by NPPs in Canada stored on an interim basis at the nuclear facilities Low-level waste may be reduced through various processing methods Low-level waste Intermediate-level waste Low activity radioactive waste stored in warehouse-type buildings Higher-activity, longer-lived radioactive waste stored in in-ground containers Refurbishment radioactive waste stored in above ground containers 53

54 Minimization Efforts for Low-Level Waste Waste Reduction at Source Focus on pre-job briefings Segregation of metal waste Segregation of launderable Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Communication campaigns Waste diversion Compaction 75 percent reduction Use of launderable/washable PPE Depackaging of materials Volume Reduction and minimizing of interim storage space requirements Pilot sorting projects for non-processable waste: Removal and free-release of metal and tools Further processing through incineration and compaction Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Incineration 95 percent reduction 54

55 Long-term Management of OPG s Low and Intermediate-Level Waste Deep Geologic Repository Protects/isolates repository from the surface Repository Horizon 680 m deep Sedimentary Sequence: 34 Bedrock Formations Mechanically strong/dry limestone Shale barrier cap (200m) Responsible approach isolated and contained from environment Conceptual emplacement for intermediate-level waste (photo courtesy OPG) 55

56 OPG DGR Lake Huron and Environment is Protected Key Attributes 450-million years old rock formation Multiple natural barriers to safely contain the waste Natural resource potential Low Seismically quiet Geomechanically safe dry and stable Groundwater and Lake Huron protected at all times Independent international scientists confirm lake and environment will be protected Strong Safety Case No Significant Adverse Environmental Effects Conceptual underground layout of deep geologic repository (DGR) (photo courtesy OPG) 56

57 OPG DGR: Project Status Years of site investigation and analysis 31 days of public hearings Hearings webcast Over 200 interventions Rigorous Environmental Assessment open/transparent Environmental Assessment Report published May Federal Environment Minister to render a decision subsequently Public hearings held in 2013 and 2014 (photo courtesy OPG) 57

58 OPG DGR: Stakeholder, Public and Aboriginal Engagement Over a decade of extensive engagement in Canada and U.S. Public, key stakeholders, elected officials and staff First Nations and Métis communities (Aboriginal) Activities continue and will continue throughout all phases Informed and willing host community 58

59 Gentilly-2 Safe Storage and Planned Decommissioning Gentilly-2 Gentilly-2 is located on the St. Lawrence River and has one unit transitioning to safe storage state (photo courtesy Hydro-Québec) 59

60 Gentilly-2 Nuclear Generating Station Characteristics 1983: start of commercial operation 675MW, single unit CANDU PHWR December 28, 2012: end of commercial operation Transitioning from Operation to Safe Storage September 3, 2013: end of defuelling December 2013: balance of plant out of service May 2014: heat transport D 2 O drain and dry November 2014: moderator D 2 O drain and dry December 31, 2014: Safe State Storage declared Fuelling machine connected to the reactor, at Gentilly-2, used to defuel the core and drain heavy water from the pressure tubes (photo courtesy Hydro- Québec) 60

61 Gentilly-2: Next steps Dormancy and fuel transfer phase Transfer of spent fuel from wet storage to interim dry storage Construction of two additional CANSTOR units Structures, systems and components monitoring program Environmental monitoring program Dormancy and site monitoring phase Structures, systems and components monitoring program Environmental monitoring program All radioactive L&ILW stored on site 2050* transfer of irradiated fuel to national repository site * date assumed for financial planning Onsite above ground dry storage at the Gentilly-2 site (photo courtesy Hydro- Québec) 61

62 Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management LONG-TERM MANAGEMENT OF CANADA S SPENT FUEL Presented by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization 62

63 Current Management of Canada s Spent Fuel 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 Canada s Spent Fuel Inventory: 2,511,305 bundles as of June 30, 2014 Wet storage Dry storage 2,000,000 1,500,000 1,000, , Year 63

64 Adaptive Phased Management NWMO Options study results presented to Government in 2005, following extensive dialogue with Canadians Government of Canada selected Adaptive Phased Management (APM) approach in 2007 NWMO continues to implement APM: Ultimately centralized isolation and containment in a DGR Willing and informed host community in-service date of 2035 assumed for financial planning 64

65 Site Selection Process Process Goals: Safety first Informed and willing host community Involve surrounding communities, regions and other jurisdictions Involve First Nations and Métis potentially affected Initial Screening COMPLETE Preliminary Assessment (Desktop) MOST COMPLETE Preliminary Assessment (Field Work) INITIATED 2014 (minimum 3 to 4 years) Detailed Site Characterization (~ up to 5 years) 65

66 Site Selection Process SASKATCHEWAN MANITOBA Up to 2012: 22 Communities interested in Learning More 2015: Preliminary assessments underway; 9 Communities engaged in process ONTARIO QUEBEC 66

67 Planning Field Work with the Communities Field work at current stage includes airborne geophysics and ground mapping Meet in communities on plans to invite input and address concerns before work begins Work with local Aboriginal communities on locations, timing, and protocols For ground studies, use local guides and invite community representatives to participate Community members visit one of the planes used to conduct airborne geophysical surveys (photo courtesy NWMO) Departing for field excursion as part of 'Observing General Geological Features (photo courtesy NWMO) 67

68 Engineered Barrier System Development Container concept developed optimized for CANDU fuel Demonstration of copper coating technology First full-scale container fabricated Work underway to fabricate and test engineered barrier system Testing program scheduled to coordinate with the site selection process Spent fuel container mock-up (photo courtesy NWMO) 68

69 Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management RESPONSES TO 4TH RM, QUESTIONS ON NATIONAL REPORT, PLANNED ACTIVITIES, GOOD PRACTICES, CHALLENGES, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND OVERARCHING ISSUES 69

70 Response to 4th Review Meeting Challenges Challenge 1: Finding an acceptable site for a spent nuclear fuel repository Site selection process has notably progressed over the last three years Initially 22 communities, 9 communities remain after initial assessments as of April 2015 First Nations and communities actively engaged in exploring project International collaboration and independent reviews in place Challenge 2: Developing long-term management options for radioactive waste OPG s Deep Geologic Repository awaiting decision Industry licensees (OPG, CNL, HQ, New Brunswick Power) established an industry forum to coordinate and integrate long-term radioactive waste management strategies 70

71 Response to 4th Review Meeting Challenges (cont.) Challenge 3: Demonstrating the safety of old interim storage facilities to support re-licensing Publication of REGDOC Aging Management Licensee implementation of aging management programs Challenge 4: Addressing a wide variety of legacy wastes in several areas and in several forms which require treatment and disposal Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program advancing initiatives to address legacy waste at CNL sites Ongoing remediation projects of decommissioned mines 71

72 Response to 4th Review Meeting Challenges (cont.) Challenge 5: Addressing historic and legacy waste issues Programs developed and funded by the Government of Canada for implementation to address Canada's legacy and historic decommissioning and waste management liabilities Challenge 6: Implement gap analysis findings for improving the regulatory framework Comprehensive review of CNSC regulations and regulatory documents 10-year plan with 5-year cyclical review Since last JC, over 90% of regulatory documents updated to include standards Suggestions and recommendations arising from 2009 IRRS Mission and 2011 follow-up closed Fukushima Regulatory Omnibus Amendments enacted and closed Discussion paper for Modernizing and Strengthening the Radioactive Waste and Decommissioning Regulatory Framework drafted Public consultation planned for

73 Response to 4th Review Meeting Challenges (cont.) Challenge 7: Updating, revising, and developing new regulatory documents to provide guidance to the licensee Comprehensive review of CNSC regulations and regulatory documents 10-year plan with 5-year cyclical review Publication of CSA Standards N292 series dealing with management of radioactive waste and spent fuel Challenge 8: Implementation of Fukushima Action Plan Comprehensive and integrated Fukushima review for all major facilities All items relating to waste management licensed activities closed 73

74 Questions on Canada s National Report Q: Strategy for managing waste generated as a result of cleanup and decontamination efforts offsite The CNSC is currently developing a strategy for the public consultation on post emergency/recovery phase Other topics to be addressed in the strategy include: Assessment of levels of environmental contamination Dose assessment and consequences Determination of priority of cleanup and methods for cleanup Dose reduction strategies Status update to be provided at the IAEA International Conference on Global Emergency Preparedness and Response (October 2015) Q: Fukushima lessons learned have been implemented for offsite waste storage facilities CNSC Fukushima Action Plan developed following accident Many improvements made to NPPs in the area of emergency preparedness, including: Emergency preparedness and response procedures developed for waste management facilities Additional backup power for radiation monitoring equipment Flood hazard assessments for OPG s L&ILW site 74

75 Questions on Canada s National Report (cont.) Q: Joint Review Panel How were public opinions considered? Public review period for submitted documents in advance of the hearings Additional information requests resulted in providing additional public hearings As required, all oral and written comments during the hearings were directed to the Joint Review Panel The opportunity to submit final written comments was given to all registered interveners Q: Aboriginal consultation in relation to public outreach Public hearings are an open invitation to everyone The CNSC has a Duty to Consult if a decision is made by the Commission that may have adverse impacts on established or potential Aboriginal or treaty rights Upon request, the CNSC provides meetings in relation to a CNSC regulated facility or proposed project to be regulated by the CNSC Q: Extending the operating life of spent fuel interim dry storage containers to support relicensing Licensees requires to submit in-service inspection programs to CNSC for review and approval Regulatory requirements outlined as guidance to licensees CSA N291-08, Requirements for Safety-Related Structures for CANDU Nuclear Power Plants CNSC RD-334, Aging Management 75

76 Questions on Canada s National Report Q: Ensuring the integrity and sufficient water level in spent fuel wet storage bays Design basis based on fuel remaining in wet storage for many years prior to transferring to dry storage (7+ years) Fuel bundles show no significant signs of decay, corrosion or other signs of deterioration Aging and obsolescence programs exist at each NPP to ensure the integrity of structures, systems and components are in place Structural Integrity Analysis were performed by each NPP operator, then reviewed and accepted by the CNSC As a result, NPPs implemented accessible pool makeup water connections Q: Exercising regulatory oversight in advance of a licence application for the LTM of spent fuel A Service Arrangement is signed between the CNSC and NWMO that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities The CNSC provides pre-licensing document reviews (if requested), such as a conceptual DGR design and post-closure for a hypothetical site Regulatory conclusions do not bind or otherwise influence future Commission decisions 76

77 Planned Activities for Canada during the next JC Reporting Period CNL sites Accelerated decommissioning and remediation Development of Radioactive Waste Management industry forum Consolidated Waste and Decommissioning Regulation Federal Environment Minister decision for OPG s DGR project for its L&ILW Continue progress in engineered design and site selection process for the LTM of spent fuel (Adaptive Phased Management) 77

78 Good Practices for Canada in Context of 5th Review Meeting Sole Contracting Party to have posted report, questions and answers, and presentation on public website Openness and transparency: webcast of all Commission hearings funding to help intervenors prepare their case licensees public information programs and proactive public disclosure posting to the CNSC public website the response to challenges from the 4th review meeting 78

79 Good Practices for Canada in Context of 5th Review Meeting Financial Guarantees for all licensees in possession of nuclear substances and radiation devices Establishment of financial guarantees in the form of insurance to reduce financial burden on small operators Ensures regulatory control over sources and eliminates causal factors of orphan sources Government of Canada committed $1.3 billion for legacy cleanup of Port Hope Area Public hearings for licensing period extension for construction of LTM waste management facilities and cleanup phase (Fall 2012) Extensive radiological surveys of residential properties with VLLRW Extensive remediation efforts despite low radiological risk Community driven solutions 79

80 Good Practices for Canada in Context of 5th Review Meeting (cont.) Extensive regulatory, community and Aboriginal involvement in siting of long-term management repository for spent fuel Early regulatory involvement in advance of a licence application Engaging First Nations and community in field work Including Aboriginal traditional knowledge in assessments Expansion of Sealed Source Tracking System (SSTS) to encompass all categories 1 5 radioactive sources under the IAEA Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources 80

81 Challenges for Canada in Context of 5th Review Meeting Industry access to suitable skills and resources to support a change in focus from operations to decommissioning (knowledge management/transfer) Resources to ensure regulatory oversight Finding an acceptable site in a willing host community for the long-term management of radioactive waste management facilities with broad public support outside local community First-of-a-kind GoCo management model and procurement process for Canada 81

82 Conclusions Canada has demonstrated Its commitment to the Joint Convention objectives Its compliance with the Articles of the Joint Convention Its openness and transparency Its commitment to the safety of human health and the environment Its commitment to the improvement of the safety of spent fuel and radioactive waste management All categories of radioactive waste are currently managed in storage facilities that are safe, secure and environmentally sound 82

83 Recommendations to the President of the Joint Convention and Contracting Parties The President of the JC should: Remind CPs of their obligations, especially to actively participate Continue to name CPs who are not meeting the obligations of the JC in his report Write a letter to the Head of Government of the countries who are not meeting the obligations of the JC Table issues and recommendations from the 5 th RM to be discussed at the next Organizational Meeting for the 6 th RM Table issues and recommendations at the IAEA Board of Governors for countries who are not meeting the obligations of the JC Nuclear safety is a global responsibility 83

84 Overarching Issues for the Joint Convention and Contracting Parties Global champion for safety to the same rigor as security and safeguards Social acceptability of long-term waste management solutions Internationally benchmarking the classification of intermediate-level waste The number of NPP facilities undergoing transition to decommissioning Management of waste including large metal components Decommissioning plans: Accelerated vs Deferred Knowledge management and retention Global implementation of the three Rs : Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Reduction of environmental footprint through recycling Canada encourages Contracting Parties to commit to peer reviews, openness and transparency 84

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86 Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management APPENDIX A: CANADA S MATRIX 86 86

87 Canada s Matrix Type of Liability Long-term Management (LTM) Policy Spent Fuel (SF) National approach for the LTM of SF Nuclear Fuel Cycle Waste Nuclear Waste Fuel Act (NWFA, 2002) outlines process and implementation Licensees are responsible for the funding, organization, management & operation of their Waste Management Facilities (WMFs) (Radioactive Waste Policy Framework, 1996) Government of Canada accepted responsibility for LTM of historic wastes & funds the management of legacy waste under the Nuclear Legacy Liabilities Program (NLLP) Funding of Liabilities Current Practice / Facilities Planned Facilities Long-term: Licensees are required to contribute to segregated funds to finance LTM activities under the NFWA Short-term: Licensees are financially responsible & required to provide a Financial Guarantee (FG) for the decommissioning of interim WMFs for SF under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act (NSCA) Licensees are financially responsible & required to provide a FG for the decommissioning & LTM of the waste they produce SF held in interim storage in wet or dry storage facilities located at the waste producers site SF from research reactors is either returned to the fuel supplier or transferred to Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) for storage Managed by licensee (onsite or at a dedicated WMF) Managed in-situ/ above ground mounds Managed in near-surface facilities adjacent to the mines and mills Waste from small generators transferred to licensed WMFs for management Long-term: Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) implementing the Adaptive Phased Management (APM) Approach - a deep geological repository (DGR) for the LTM of SF in Canada Short-term: Interim dry storage facilities are constructed as needed OPG planning a DGR for LTM of its low-level waste (LLW) & Intermediate-level waste (ILW) CNL assessing CRL site for hosting LTM facilities for LLW & ILW under NLLP LTM of the bulk of Canada s historic waste implemented under the Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) LTM of Uranium Mines and Mills (UMM) in near-surface facilities adjacent to the mines and mills CNL assessing options at CRL site for hosting LTM facilities for radioactive wastes Application Wastes Decomm. Liabilities Disused Sealed Sources Licensees are responsible for the funding, organization, management & operation of their WMFs Licensees are financially responsible & required to delay and decay provide a FG for the decommissioning & the LTM of returned to manufacturer the waste that they produce transferred to licensed WMFs for management CNL assessing options at CRL site for hosting LTM facilities for radioactive wastes Licensees are responsible for the funding, Licensees are financially responsible & required to Major facilities required to keep decommissioning CNL assessing CRL site for hosting LTM facilities for organization, management & implementation of provide a FG for the decommissioning & the LTM of plans and FG up to date throughout the lifecycle of LLW & ILW under NLLP decommissioning activities Licensees to give due consideration to the immediate dismantling approach when proposing a decommissioning strategy (G-219) the waste that they produce a licensed activity (G-219). These are reviewed on a five-year cycle by the licensee and regulator. Licensees are responsible for the funding, organization, management & operation of their WMFs Licensees are financially responsible & required to delay and decay provide a FG for the decommissioning & the LTM of returned to manufacturer the waste that they produce transferred to licensed WMF for LTM recycling by reusing, re-encapsulating, or reprocessing CNL assessing options at CRL site for hosting LTM facilities for radioactive wastes National Sealed Source Registry & Sealed Source Tracking System 87