Publications Details
Security for very long-term storage of used fuel
Duran, Felicia A.; Wyss, Gregory D.
Given the uncertain future of the proposed Yucca Mountain Repository for final disposal of used light water reactor fuel, the tactical strategy is to store used nuclear fuel (UNF) at utility sites in either pool or dry cask storage systems. Although no time threshold has been defined, the current recommendation for long-term management of UNF is 300 years. This presents possible regulatory and technical issues for both storage safety and security. This paper discusses ongoing work in address security for long-term storage of UNF. Previous work focused on an assessment of security requirements for the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy. In addition, it has been determined that the dose rates for UNF will fall below the current 100 rem/hour self-protection threshold after 70 to 120 years. Work continues to address issues associated with maintaining security for long-term storage of UNF. Extending the self-protection concept and plans for performing assessments of the long-term security risk will be discussed. This work is part of a larger effort to develop concepts for a demonstration UNF storage site and to develop a technical basis for long-term storage of UNF and the associated transportation.