Washington (Platts)--14Jun2007

The Canadian government on Thursday decided to adopt a hybrid approach to
nuclear waste storage that an agency charged with coming up with the solution
to the problem has recommended, it said. 

     In 2002, Canada passed the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act and required waste
owners to set aside funding for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel
and establish a Nuclear Waste Management Organization to study the issue.

     As required by the act, the NWMO studied three possible options: deep
geological disposal in the Canadian shield; storage at reactor sites; and
centralized storage, either above or below ground. 

     The NWMO also studied and recommended a fourth option -- the Adaptive
Phased Management approach -- that combines technical advantages of the
three methods with a management approach that engages citizens in decision
making throughout the process.

     The APM approach offers centralized containment and isolation of used
fuel in a deep repository with the option of an interim shallow-underground 
storage facility at the site. The government approved this choice.

     Canada's used nuclear fuel is currently stored where it is produced at
reactor sites in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick.

     "Good governance depends on responsible decisions, and today we are
taking steps toward a safe, long-term plan for nuclear power in Canada for
future generations," said Canadian Natural Resources Minister Gary Lunn.

     The Canadian Nuclear Association noted the approach is consistent with
that of France, the UK, Finland, Sweden, Japan and the US.