The Deep Geologic Repository (DGR) project is a design study for a long-term disposal facility for the low- and intermediate-level waste (L&ILW) produced at the Bruce, Darlington and Pickering nuclear power generating stations owned by Ontario Power Generation (OPG). The waste will be stored approximately 680m underground in a stable limestone formation. The DGR will be built at the Bruce Nuclear site adjacent to the Western Waste Management Facility (WWMF), which currently houses L&ILW waste to be stored in the DGR.
The study includes mine shafts, hoists, underground tunnels and rooms, equipment for carrying waste, and shielding equipment.
There are approximately 200,000 m3 of waste, including shielding, to be stored in the DGR from daily operations of the nuclear stations and from refurbishment of reactors. Construction is not expected to begin before 2013 and waste storage operations are scheduled to commence approximately five years later.
Hatch is performing preliminary engineering studies to support the Nuclear Waste Management Organization’s (NWMO) preparation of submissions to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission for environmental approval and a construction licence. NWMO is undertaking this work on behalf of the applicant, Ontario Power Generation.
Hatch also prepared the conceptual engineering design report. The conceptual design included
- Evaluation of underground fire and life safety
- Review of other global repository designs and approaches
- Waste package shielding
- Determination of preferred methods of access to the underground repository
- Shaft and hoisting designs
- Material and equipment handling
- Construction and emplacement methods and scheduling
- Underground and surface layouts
- Geotechnical modeling and design of underground excavations
- Determination of the preferred depth for the waste storage rooms
- Waste rock disposal on surface
- Final sealing system for closure of the repository once it has been filled with all radioactive waste packages.
Hatch and Hatch Mott MacDonald are performing specific engineering aspects to support Hatch’s overall design. Hatch is responsible for radioactive waste package handling and shielding, shaft designs, hoisting, ventilation, shaft sealing and surface waste rock disposal design. Hatch Mott MacDonald is primarily responsible for geotechnical modeling and design, and is also providing support for activities associated with shaft and underground construction methods, and advising NWMO on requirements for the geomechanical site characterization program inclusive of on-site attendance and some testing of rock cores during the borehole drilling program.
The project is the first L&ILW project of its kind in Canada.
