| Description |
1 online resource (ii, 61 p.) : col. ill., map |
| System Details |
System requirements: Adobe Reader. |
|
Mode of access: World Wide Web. |
| Note |
Title from cover screen (viewed on Jan. 14, 2013). |
|
"August 2012." |
| Summary |
Spent nuclear fuel, the used fuel removed from nuclear reactors, is one of the most hazardous substances created by humans. Commercial spent fuel is stored at reactor sites; about 74 percent of it is stored in pools of water, and 26 percent has been transferred to dry storage casks. The United States has no permanent disposal site for the nearly 70,000 metric tons of spent fuel currently stored in 33 states. GAO was asked to examine (1) the amount of spent fuel expected to accumulate before it can be moved from commercial nuclear reactor sites, (2) the key risks posed by stored spent fuel and actions to help mitigate these risks, and (3) key benefits and challenges of moving spent nuclear fuel out of wet storage and ultimately away from commercial nuclear reactors. GAO reviewed NRC documents and studies on spent fuel's safety and security risks and industry data, interviewed federal and state government officials and representatives from industry and other groups, and visited reactor sites. To help facilitate decisions on storing and disposing of spent nuclear fuel over the coming decades, GAO recommends that NRC develop a mechanism for locating all classified studies. NRC generally agreed with the findings and the recommendation in the report. |
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references. |
| Contents |
Background. -- Large quantities of spent nuclear fuel are expected to remain at commercial reactor sites for decades. -- The key risk of stored spent fuel is difficult to quantify, but some mitigating actions have been taken. -- Transfer of spent fuel from wet storage offers benefits but also presents challenges. -- Conclusions. -- Recommendations for executive action. -- Agency comments. -- Appendices. |
| Note |
"GAO-12-797." |
| Subject |
Spent reactor fuels -- Storage -- United States.
|
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Radioactive wastes -- United States -- Management.
|
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Nuclear power plants -- Waste disposal -- United States.
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Radioactive waste disposal -- Government policy -- United States.
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| Added Author |
Aloise, Gene.
|
| Added Title |
Accumulating quantities at commercial reactors present storage and other challenges |
| Running Title |
Accumulation of spent nuclear fuel |
| Gpo Item No. |
0546-D (online) |
| Sudoc No. |
GA 1.13:GAO-12-797 |
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