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Frequently Asked Questions
| Facts about Yucca Mountain | Project Oversight | ||
| Repository Licensing Overview
In June, 2008, the Department of Energy submitted a license application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Augmenting Field and Laboratory Science With Advanced Computer Technology
Transportation of Spent Nuclear Fuel
A safe, dependable transportation system is a crucial link in the operation of any proposed permanent geologic repository for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel. Apr 23, 2009 - 11:27:26 AM Read more Nature and Engineering Working Together For a Safe RepositoryIf a repository were built at Yucca Mountain, it would rely on two different systems to prevent radioactive materials from escaping into the environment. These systems act as barriers to the movement of radionuclides (radioactive atoms).
Apr 21, 2009 - 10:37:49 AM Read more The Exploratory Studies FacilityThe U.S. Department of Energy’s Exploratory Studies Facility is an underground laboratory at Yucca Mountain that allows scientists and engineers access to the rock that is being studied for a potential repository. Apr 21, 2009 - 10:12:20 AM Read more Why Do Scientists Think a Repository Will Work?Scientists in the United States and in countries that use nuclear power believe an underground repository is a feasible and safe method for disposing of nuclear waste.
Apr 21, 2009 - 9:54:45 AM Read more What Are Spent Nuclear Fuel and High-Level Radioactive Waste? Spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste are materials from nuclear power plants and government defense programs. These materials contain highly radioactive elements, such as cesium, strontium, technetium, and neptunium.
Apr 21, 2009 - 9:22:23 AM Read more DOE's Role in the Licensing Process The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has studied the Yucca Mountain site in Nevada for more than 20 years to determine its suitability for development as the nation's first geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste. Apr 21, 2009 - 9:16:28 AM Read more Before the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) can construct and operate a geologic repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, it must first obtain a license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
Apr 15, 2009 - 4:44:18 PM Read more A Study of How Fluid Moves Through RockAt the Exploratory Studies Facility at Yucca Mountain, workers have excavated a series of four test alcoves on the right side of the tunnel. Here, scientists have tested how air, water, and other gases move through layers of rock within Yucca Mountain. Mar 30, 2009 - 10:35:53 AM Read more Oklo: Natural Nuclear ReactorsFifteen natural nuclear fission reactors have been found in three different ore deposits at the Oklo mine in Gabon, West Africa. These are collectively known as the Oklo Fossil Reactors.
Mar 6, 2009 - 3:50:56 PM Read more Overview: Yucca Mountain ProjectSome of the electricity used in homes across our nation is made with nuclear fuel in reactors at power plants. When the fuel that is used to make electricity at the power plants can no longer produce electricity efficiently, it is removed from the reactors. This used fuel is called spent fuel. Mar 6, 2009 - 3:38:01 PM Read more |
Federal law makes
the Yucca Mountain Project subject to external regulations by
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission C).
The NRC reviews every aspect of the Project, which includes evaluating our scientific work and system performance. The formal NRC licensing process will involve external experts in the technical review that will occur when the NRC considers issuing licenses to construct and operate a repository. Federal law also provides funds to state and local oversight groups and to groups of independent scientists to assure the accuracy of the Project's scientific methods and results. For example, Congress created the Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board, an independent federal agency, to evaluate the technical and scientific validity of Project studies and findings. Twice a year, this Board reports its conclusions and recommendations to Congress and to the Secretary of Energy and points out concerns from outside parties. Ten counties belong to what is known as the Affected Units of Local Government (AULG). This group are funded by the NEPA act through congress to do oversight on the construction and authorization of a high-level nuclear waste repository in Nevada. Nye County, Nevada is the siting county where Yucca Mountain and the proposed nuclear waste repository resides. This link contains an excerpt from the NEPA Act explaining the Provisions Participation of State Government, Affected Units of Local Government and Affected Indian Tribes. AULG. NRC 63.113. (5) Subpart C—Participation by State Government, Affected Units of Local Government, and Affected Indian Tribes § 63.61 Provision of information.
Repository Sites Considered In The United States In researching the option of deep geologic disposal,
scientists considered various geologic media in which to locate a repository,
including salt, volcanic rock (such as basalt and tuff), and crystalline
rock (such as granite).
For example, one Department of Energy program examined areas underlain by crystalline rocks in 17 eastern and mid-western states. In 1983, the U.S. Department of Energy selected nine candidate sites for the first geologic repository: Vacherie Dome, Louisiana (salt dome); Richton Dome, Mississippi (salt dome); Cyprus Creek Dome, Mississippi (salt dome); Deaf Smith County, Texas (bedded salt); Swisher County, Texas (bedded salt); Davis Canyon, Utah (bedded salt); Lavender Canyon, Utah (bedded salt); Yucca Mountain, Nevada (volcanic tuff); and Hanford, Washington (basalt). SOURCE: OCRWM DOE State of Nevada - State of Nevada Draft Yucca Mountain Environmental Impact Statement Comments State Of Nevada Comments -- Office Of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Strategic Plan |
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| List of independent oversight entities (this is not a complete list) | The
chart below shows the percentage of the worlds reactors in operation |
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Nuclear radioactive
waste canister |
Click on the following links for more information and varying views of nuclear energy and it's impacts. | ||
Spent radioactive waste cask |
give the following information about Used Nuclear Fuel & High-Level Waste:
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Nuclear Reactor Towers |
The 104 U.S. nuclear power plants are licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to operate for 40 years, and can renew their licenses for an additional 20 years. To date, 47 have received license renewal and 34 more are expected to have their licenses renewed. Eventually, virtually all U.S. nuclear plants are expected to apply for license renewal. Learn more
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