Deep geologic disposal in the United States: The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and Yucca Mountain projects

After examining a number of alternatives for the disposal of spent nuclear fuel and transuranic and high-level radioactive waste, the United States determined that the two most promising options for disposal were in mined geologic repositories or in seabed sediments. After several years of experiments and studies, the subseabed program was suspended. However, two possible sites for a geologic repository were selected for more study and eventual development if their suitability is demonstrated. The United States Department of Energy is evaluating the disposal of high-level waste and commercially generated spent fuel at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, and the disposal of defense-generated transuranic waste at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant near Carlsbad, New Mexico. In addition to the programs for siting and building the two repositories, the Department of Energy has an active program to develop a transportation system that will safely move radioactive waste from the sites where it is generated or stored to the repositories. Repositories and transportation systems are being developed in accordance with a complex set of laws, standards, regulations, and guidelines -- the goal of which is to ensure the safety of the public and the environment. 27 refs., 39 figs., 4 tabs.