DOE/NRC licensing interactions and transportation program issues

Consultation between US Department of Energy (DOE) and US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) staffs is of increasing importance in the waste management program. Over the past year DOE/NRC interactions have included a series of meetings on the following: (1) consultation draft of the DOE's site characterization plant (SCP) to determine the suitability of the Yucca Mountain site in Nevada as a candidate site for the first US geologic repository for spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste; (2) design control process and design requirements for the Exploratory Shaft Facility (ESF) to be built at the Yucca Mountain site to determine its subsurface physical characteristics; (3) preparation of a hundred or more study plans that will implement the SCP; (4) licensing support system that will support the requirements of all parties in the repository licensing process related to the submission and management of records and documents; and (5) development of a strong quality assurance program. Current issues of special interest include transportation training requirements and routing of shipments of nuclear waste.