Disposition of High-Level Waste and Spent Nuclear Fuel : The Continuing Societal and Technical Challenges

Focused attention by world leaders is needed to address the substantial challenges posed by disposal of spent nuclear fuel from reactors and high-level radioactive waste from processing such fuel. The biggest challenges in achieving safe and secure storage and permanent waste disposal are societal, although technical challenges remain. Disposition of radioactive wastes in a deep geological repository is a sound approach as long as it progresses through a stepwise decision-making process that takes advantage of technical advances, public participation, and international cooperation. Written for concerned citizens as well as policymakers, this book was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and waste management organizations in eight other countries. Executive Summary..............1 An Overview of the Societal and Technical Challenges ..............7 2 Principal Findings and Conclusions ..............20 3 Principal Recommendations ..............40 4 National Programs ..............49 5 Societal Issues in Radioactive Waste Management ..............67 6 Scientific and Technical Issues in Radioactive Waste Management ..............85 7 Alternatives to Geological Disposition ..............114