伊格內斯（IGNACE）訊 —— 監管機構決定是否批准擬議中的核廢料儲存場，這一耗時多年的審查程序已經正式啟動。
IGNACE — The years-long process for regulators to decide whether a proposed nuclear waste storage site gets the green light has begun.
加拿大環境評估署（Impact Assessment Agency of Canada）已公布了由核廢料管理組織（NWMO）提交的初步專案說明書。該計畫擬在伊格內斯地區建造一座「深地質處置庫」（DGR）。
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada has posted the initial project description for the deep geological repository being proposed in the Ignace area by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, or NWMO.
此文件的公開發布，標誌著環境評估署與加拿大核安全委員會（CNSC）聯合進行的評估工作正式拉開序幕。
The public posting officially kicks off the assessment done jointly between the impact assessment agency and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
公眾向聯邦監管機構就 NWMO 提案發表意見的第一階段也已開始，初步意見徵集截止日期為 2 月 4 日晚上 11 點 59 分。
The first chance for people to comment on the NWMO’s proposal to federal regulators has also begun, with initial submissions being accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 4.
NWMO 監管審批副總裁艾倫·韋伯斯特（Allan Webster）告訴 Newswatch：「這是一個讓大眾參與並深入了解該計畫的機會，我認為這對加拿大來說是一個極其重要的項目。」
“It’s an opportunity for the public to be involved and to learn more about this, what I call, an incredibly important project for Canada,” Allan Webster, the NWMO’s vice president of regulatory approvals, told Newswatch.
擬議中的處置庫位於 17 號公路以南、伊格內斯與 Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation 之間的 Revell 湖附近，將存放來自加拿大核電廠約 590 萬捆的廢核燃料。
The proposed repository would store approximately 5.9 million bundles of used nuclear fuel from Canada’s nuclear power plants at a site near Revell Lake between Ignace and Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation south of Highway 17.
NWMO 表示，廢核燃料儲存設施將位於地下 500 公尺深處，並利用人工與天然屏障構成的防禦系統。該組織一直強調此技術是安全的。
The proposed storage facilities for the spent fuel would be deeper than 500 metres underground, the NWMO says, and involve using a system of engineered and natural barriers that the organization has consistently said is safe.
該計畫預計持續約 160 年，包括場地準備、施工、營運（約 50 年）、退役與封閉，以及封閉後的監測。
The project is expected to last about 160 years, including site preparation, construction, operation (about 50 years), decommissioning and closure, and post-closure monitoring.
然而，該計畫持續遭到多方反對，包括環保組織以及安大略省北部的多個原住民族（First Nations）。
The project continues to be opposed by a variety of stakeholders, including environmental groups and a number of First Nations throughout northern Ontario.
「我們是無核北方」（We the Nuclear Free North）組織發言人溫蒂·歐康納（Wendy O’Connor）表示：「在我們看來，愈多公眾發表評論愈好。」
“The more of the public that comments, the better — as we see it,” said Wendy O’Connor, a spokesperson with “We the Nuclear Free North.”
評估預計在五年內完成，最終將由聯邦政府做出決定。
The assessment is expected to be completed within five years, culminating with a decision from the federal government.
重點摘要 / Key Summary
• 啟動評估 / Assessment Launch： 加拿大政府正式開始審核在伊格內斯建造地下核廢料處置庫的計畫。
The Canadian government has officially begun the assessment of the proposed deep geological repository in the Ignace area.
• 公眾參與 / Public Involvement： 即日起至 2026 年 2 月 4 日，大眾可提交初步意見。
The public can submit initial comments on the proposal until February 4, 2026.
• 長期計畫 / Long-term Project： 該設施擬建於地下 500 公尺，整個營運與監測週期長達 160 年。
The facility is proposed to be over 500 metres underground, with a project lifespan spanning approximately 160 years.
• 各界反應 / Mixed Reactions： 雖然 NWMO 強調安全性，但環保團體與原住民部落仍有強烈反對聲音。
While the NWMO maintains the project is safe, it faces continued opposition from environmental groups and First Nations.