Safeguards Implications for Deep Borehole Disposal of Spent Fuel
- Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Deep borehole disposal (DBD) has been suggested as an option for disposing spent nuclear fuel in a number of countries, including several countries that are subject to international safeguards. While potential benefits of deep borehole disposal include increased safety, reduced cost, and greater flexibility, the method could also impact the implementation of international safeguards. DBD presents some unique safeguards challenges compared to a conventional MGR. These challenges include 1) verifying borehole design below the surface; 2) strong reliance on CoK up to and including disposal; 3) limitations on the ability to observe or verify successfully emplaced canisters; and 4) successfully monitoring a closed and sealed DBD facility over the long term. In some cases, such challenges may prove easier for a DBD facility than for a conventional MGR, others more difficult, and still others may require new methodologies (or existing methodologies newly applied to safeguards). Long-term monitoring in particular might be somewhat less onerous.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation (NA-20)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-94AL85000
- OSTI ID:
- 1600615
- Report Number(s):
- SAND--2016-4591; 683823
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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