Managing nuclear by-products

See how the health, safety and security of all Canadians is incorporated into how Ontario Power Generation transports, processes and stores nuclear by-products from our facilities.

Licensed and regulated

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) regulates all OPG nuclear sites, including the use of nuclear energy and materials to safeguard health and the environment, to insure safety and security, and to respect Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Good stewardship

OPG accepts, transports, stores and processes all waste thoughtfully and carefully, with an ongoing dedication to the security of Ontarians as our first concern.

How are nuclear by-products managed?

Nuclear Sustainability Services (NSS) Facilities

OPG’s nuclear by-products are managed at three NSS sites. The Nuclear Sustainability Services Western (NSSW) facility in Bruce County receives and manages the low- and intermediate-level materials from the Darlington, Pickering and Bruce Power nuclear stations.

The low- and intermediate-level materials generated are safely transported and stored on an interim basis at the NSSW.

  • Low-level materials are sorted and, when possible, compacted or incinerated to reduce their volume. After processing, low-level materials are stored in above-ground concrete warehouses.
  • Intermediate-level materials from station operations are stored in steel-lined concrete containers and set in the ground. While low- and intermediate-level materials are safely stored on an interim basis, they will eventually be transferred a long-term facility for permanent disposal — the lasting solution.
  • Used Fuel is placed in dry storage containers and managed at facilities located at Pickering (NSSP), Darlington (NSSD) and NSSW.

How waste is managed