Environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the installation of a small modular nuclear reactor (SMR)

The design of the ARC reactor draws inspiration from the knowledge and experience gained through the development and operation of the Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBR-II) and the Fast Flux Test Facility in the United States. [...] The construction and operation of the proposed ARC-100 reactor carries the risk of widespread radioactive contamination in the vicinity of the Bay of Fundy in the event of an accident. [...] The success of such a storage site depends on various factors, including the natural environment, the chemistry of the waste, and how radiation is distributed throughout the fuel cycle system, rather than just the waste's size and radioactivity. [...] Given the current reliance on Russia for the supply of HALEU and the likelihood of sanctions affecting the availability of Russian fuel in the foreseeable future, Canada currently lacks the capacity to produce HALEU fuel. [...] Heightened secrecy is expected to reduce transparency and limit sharing of information, making it more challenging for residents of New Brunswick to ask questions and make informed decisions regarding the role of nuclear power and the activities of nuclear operators in the province.