Safeguards issues relevant to geologic disposal of spent nuclear fuels

In civilian nuclear fuel cycles, the time between removal of spent nuclear fuels from reactors and the final stages of nuclear waste disposal spans several decades. Safeguarding nuclear materials contained in spent fuels during this period varies with (1) storage modes, (2) packaging and transportation requirements, and (3) treatment of spent fuel for consolidation or recovery of fissile elements. This paper considers some possible diversion scenarios of spent nuclear fuels and identifies actions necessary to evaluate the needs of a comprehensive safeguards system to assure both domestic and international safeguards. 4 refs.