6.23. The site confirmation stage will generally consist of detailed studies and investigation of the preferred site prior to the start of full scale construction of the disposal facility. Careful comparisons with all relevant criteria should be made to confirm that the disposal system, if constructed and operated as designed, will perform as required.
Upon confirmation of the suitability of the site, a proposal is submitted to the regulatory body with sufficient information to permit decisions to be made regarding approval for construction of the facility. This proposal will include a safety assessment based on the results obtained from the site investigation, characterization and confirmation activities. Site confirmation studies are reviewed by the regulatory body regarding the decision on the suitability of the site following its review of all information. If all necessary requirements are met, approval (in the form a licence, an authorization for construction, or other form of permission) to begin construction of the disposal facility may be issued. Characterization activities are normally expected to continue into the construction and operational phases in order to provide further data and further reduce any residual uncertainties in the safety case.