Clear thinking on Nuclear: Waste disposal

1
Clear thinking on NuclearWaste disposal

1. One site for high-level radioactive waste is
   easier to monitor, regulate, and secure
2. A repository will provide for the long-term
   isolation and storage of used nuclear fuel
3. Strong Federal oversight ensures the repositorys
   safety and security

2
One site for high-level radioactive waste makes
sense

• A single repository like Yucca Mountain is easier
  to monitor, regulate,and secure.
• Used (spent) nuclear fuel consists of ceramic
  pellets encased in metal tubes. It is not a
  liquid, a gas, or green ooze.
• It cannot explode and does not burn.
• Indefinite on-site storage is not a real option.

3
Yucca Mountain safe, secure, long-term storage

• For decades, the National Academy of Sciences has
  recommended disposing waste underground to ensure
  the protection of public health and the
  environment.
• The unique combination of rock characteristics
  and deep water table make the Yucca Mountain site
  capable of isolating the waste. 
• The repository will be approximately 1,000 feet
  below the land surface and 1,000 feet above the
  water table.

4
Strong Federal oversight and regulatory
requirements

• The DOE is required to characterize, obtain
  approval for, construct, manage, and operate the
  geologic repository.
• The EPA is required to develop site-specific
  radiation standards for air, groundwater, food,
  and soil, designed to protect the public health
  and environment.
• The NRC is required to license and develop
  standards for geologic disposal and to apply
  radiation standards established by the EPA.

5
ANS Resources

• ANS Report the EPA proposed Yucca Mountain
  standard http//www.ans.org/pi/news/sd/944200800-
  report.html
• Other resources
• www.nei.org
• www.ymp.gov
• http//www.doe.gov
• http//www.epa.gov/radiation/yucca
• www.yuccamountain.org/