A federal panel has concluded that the public isn't ready to accept plans to bury nuclear waste deep in the Canadian shield.

The panel says burying the waste appears to be technically safe, but the plan doesn't have broad public support.

The project was proposed by Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. The panel is recommending further consultation in an effort to "build and determine" public acceptability.

Anti-nuclear activists welcomed the panel's conclusion.

The study cost $ 7 million. It leaves all options open for long-term disposal of nuclear waste including using aboveground facilities at nuclear plants.

This report will delay a government decision on the deep-rock concept for at least another three or four years. If the concept of deep-rock is accepted it would take another 20 years to choose a site says the panel.