Can nuclear waste be stored safely at Yucca mountain?
In 1987 the federal government narrowed to one its long-term options for disposing of nuclear waste: storing it permanently in a series of caverns excavated out of the rock deep below Yucca mountain in southern Nevada. Whether it makes sense at this time to dispose permanently of spent fuel and radioactive waste in a deep geologic repository is hotly disputed. But the Nuclear Waste Policy Act amendements of 1987 decree that waste be consolidated in Yucca Mountain if the mountain is found suitable. Meanwhile the spent fuel continues to pile up across the country, and 1998 looms, adding urgency to the question: What can science tell us about the ability of the mountain to store nuclear waste safely? This paper discusses this issue and describes how studies of the mountain`s history and geology can contribute useful insights but not unequivocal conclusions.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 263234
- Journal Information:
- Scientific American, Journal Name: Scientific American Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 274; ISSN SCAMAC; ISSN 0036-8733
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Geological Disposal of Nuclear Waste in Tuff: Yucca Mountain (USA) [Geological Disposal in Tuff: Yucca Mountain]
Communicating A Controversial and Complex Project to the Public: Yucca Mountain Tours - Real and Virtual Communication