Ontario Power Generation

The Deep Geologic Repository

The DGR

OPG is the owner and licensee of the DGR, however effective January 1, 2009 the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) was contracted to manage development of the DGR. The NWMO is responsible for taking the DGR project through the regulatory approval process, on behalf of OPG.

OPG, with the support of the local community, has proposed the construction and operation of a Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) for the long-term storage of low and intermediate level nuclear waste on lands adjacent to the Western Waste Management Facility in Kincardine, Ontario.

The DGR would be located 680 metres or 2230 feet below the surface, beneath very thick layers of limestone and shale rock which have remained stable – in spite of geologic upheavals, major climate change and glacial cycles – for more than 450 million years. These formations will safely isolate nuclear waste for many thousands of years to come.

In 2005, the Municipality of Kincardine conducted a poll among its citizens to gauge the level of support for the DGR. The majority agreed with OPG’s recommendation and the project has now entered the long and careful regulatory process. Pending approvals and licensing by regulatory agencies, the DGR will commence construction in 2012 and operation in 2017/2018.

Artist's Rendition of Deep Geologic Repository

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For further information on the DGR please visit the Nuclear Waste Management Organization website, nwmo.ca/dgr.