Hardy Stevenson & Associates to lead independent peer review of NWMO’s Initial Project Description

IGNACE, ON – REGIONAL NEWS – The Township of Ignace has taken a significant step in safeguarding local interests as it moves deeper into the review phase of the proposed deep geological repository (DGR) project. The municipality has officially hired a seasoned team of nuclear and environmental professionals to provide independent analysis of technical documents submitted by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO).

The hiring comes as part of the Township’s due diligence process to assess the Initial Project Description (IPD) submitted by NWMO, which outlines plans to construct a permanent underground facility for storing Canada’s used nuclear fuel in the Ignace area.

Independent Oversight for a Generational Project

Council and senior staff have retained Hardy Stevenson and Associates Limited (HSAL) to lead the Ignace Peer Review Team (IPRT). The team includes experts from across Canada and the United States, covering a broad range of specialties:

• Physicist/Health Physicist

• Rock Mechanic/Geoscientist

• Terrestrial & Aquatic Ecologists

• Civil Engineer

• Social Scientist

• Community & Environmental Planner

Their role is to independently review and assess the scientific, environmental, and technical aspects of NWMO’s submissions, including the Formal Project Description, Impact Assessment Act documents, and reports from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). The team will also support the Township in preparing for regulatory hearings and submitting formal feedback.

“We’re excited and reassured to have nuclear professionals guiding us through this complex process,” said Ignace Mayor Kim Baigrie. “Hardy Stevenson and Associates have a deep understanding of this project and bring decades of experience to ensure our community is fully informed and our voice is heard.”

A First for Communities of This Size

The scale of the peer review effort is virtually unprecedented for a small municipality. Dave Hardy, President of HSAL, noted that it’s rare for communities like Ignace to access this level of expertise.

“The Ignace Peer Review Team is proud to support the Township through every phase of this project,” said Hardy. “We’ve already begun reviewing NWMO documentation and will provide continuous input to ensure the DGR aligns with the community’s vision and values.”

Funded Through the Hosting Agreement—No Cost to Residents

The peer review is fully funded through the NWMO’s Municipal Hosting Agreement and will be managed by Ignace Council and senior Township staff, ensuring that the work remains independent and community-focused, with no cost to Ignace residents.

This move according to a release from Ignace township reinforces the Township’s commitment to transparency, public safety, and long-term community planning as the region considers one of the most significant infrastructure and environmental projects in Canadian history.