nuclear-news

USA’s Dept of Energy announces goals for nuclear waste management

 DOE touts interim storage option for spent nuclear fuel, Augusta Chronicle, By Rob Pavey  Jan. 16, 2013  “……….Read the complete report:

http://energy.gov/downloads/strategy-management-and-disposal-used-nuclear-fuel-and-high-level-radioactive-waste

Legislative goals for next 10 years:

• Active engagement in a broad, national, consent-based process to site pilot and full-scale interim storage facilities, and site and characterize a geologic repository;

• Siting, design, licensing, and commencement of operations at a pilot-scale storage facility with an initial focus on accepting used nuclear fuel from shut-down reactor sites.;

• Significant progress on siting and licensing of a larger consolidated interim storage facility capable of providing system flexibility and an opportunity for more substantial progress in reducing government liabilities;

• Development of transportation capabilities (personnel, processes, equipment) to begin movement of fuel from shut-down reactors;

• Reformation of the funding approach in ways that preserve the necessary role for ongoing discretionary appropriations and also provide additional funds as necessary, whether from reclassified fees or from mandatory appropriation from the NWF or both; and

• Establishment of a new organization to run the program, the structure and positioning of which balance greater autonomy with the need for continued Executive and Legislative branch oversight.

Source: U.S. Energy Department http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/metro/2013-01-16/doe-touts-interim-storage-option-spent-nuclear-fuel?v=1358336852

January 17, 2013 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Reference, USA, wastes