The communities of Huron Kinloss, Central Huron, and South Bruce will undergo further tests this year to evaluate their suitability to host a long term nuclear fuel storage site.
Each of the municipalities are into the initial screening stage of a nine step evaluation. More public input will also be sought on the proposed deep geologic repository for high level nuclear waste.
The Nuclear Waste Management Organization will study the sedimentary rock layers, and the geography will be investigated.
Field activities will include geophysical surveys, environmental surveys and geological mapping to determine suitability, and narrow in on certain areas that meeting technical site evaluation.
Phase 2 assessments could be completed about 2022, with a preferred site selected in 2023.
Over 2.6-million nuclear fuel bundles are currently kept in wet and dry storage areas, mostly at the Bruce nuclear site in Kincardine.
Blind River/Elliot Lake, Hornepayne, Ignace, Manitouage and White River are also in the running to host the DGR.