radioactive waste disposal

Geofirma is a recognized leader in radioactive waste disposal projects, providing specialized geoscientific services supporting the safe, long-term disposal of radioactive waste.

Our expertise spans geoscientific site characterization, conceptual hydrogeological model development, numerical groundwater flow and contaminant transport modelling, and post-closure safety assessment for near-surface and deep geological repository programs. These analyses provide the scientific basis for demonstrating the long-term safety of radioactive waste disposal facilities and meeting rigorous regulatory requirements.

Key Geofirma senior staff have historically been active in most major Canadian and many International radioactive waste disposal programs for Low-Level, Intermediate-Level, and High-Level radioactive waste in Europe and North America since the 1970s.

Our experience has helped shape Canada’s radioactive waste disposal site characterization and safety assessment programs. We have also provided key technical support for clients’ regulatory submissions, including assistance with obtaining operating licences for geological disposal facilities and continued support during public hearings and regulatory reviews.

Areas of Expertise

• Design and execute field and laboratory testing programs to obtain high-quality, defensible data

• Build geological and hydrogeological conceptual models

• Full-service management of multidisciplinary field programs, including:

o health and safety

o baseline monitoring programs

o deep borehole drilling (both sedimentary and crystalline bedrock environments)

o downhole in-situ testing (borehole geophysical logging, hydraulic testing, geomechanical testing)

o sample collection (water/gas/rock) and laboratory testing

o 2D and 3D surface seismic programs

• Groundwater and radionuclide flow and transport modelling (including multiphase flow modelling)

• Repository performance assessment (during operation and post-closure)