Yucca Mountain viability for nuclear waste

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Yucca Mountain is considered a technically feasible site for permanent nuclear waste storage, but political challenges hinder its development. A recent federal court ruling mandates the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to make a decision on the long-delayed project. The discussion highlights the need for a coherent government policy on nuclear waste management, with options for either direct disposal or reprocessing of spent fuel. Concerns are raised about the safety of on-site storage at nuclear plants, especially as space in spent fuel pools diminishes. Ultimately, the viability of Yucca Mountain as a repository remains uncertain amid ongoing political and economic debates.
  • #31
nikkkom said:
Won't Hanford reprocessing plant be able to process civilian spent fuel after it's done with military waste?

My understanding of the Hanford complex is that the reprocessors were shut down in the 70's and were never reopened. And they are now on the long list of D&D (decimation & destruction) at the sight.
 
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  • #32
Argentum Vulpes said:
My understanding of the Hanford complex is that the reprocessors were shut down in the 70's and were never reopened. And they are now on the long list of D&D (decimation & destruction) at the sight.

I'm talking about this:

http://www.hanford.gov/page.cfm/wtp

When finished, it's supposed to be able to vitrify the nasty stuff.
I suppose the end result (steel containers with glass) will be stored in Hanford too.

Add a front-end PUREX stage to it and it's a complete reprocessing solution.
 
  • #33
nikkkom said:
I'm talking about this:

http://www.hanford.gov/page.cfm/wtp

When finished, it's supposed to be able to vitrify the nasty stuff.
I suppose the end result (steel containers with glass) will be stored in Hanford too.

Add a front-end PUREX stage to it and it's a complete reprocessing solution.

Yes if a PUREX stage were added then it could be the restart of reprocessing in the US. However the project you have linked to is only a way to deal with the leftovers from the PUREX process, with no plans that I can find on turning or adding a plant to make it into reprocessing plant. So I'm still standing by my earlier analysis that reprocessing is dead and cold in the ground when it comes to the US.
 

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