[ RadSafe ] NPT, Reprocessing & Mining Issues

[NIXON, Grant]

This is not my specialty. However, I'm not so sure about reprocessing
solving any environmental issues. Clearly, a lot depends on the process
used (e.g., PUREX). My recollection is that there is typically a lot of
radioactive/acidic liquid waste generated, making the overall process
dirtier that the once-through cycle. Unless there is a shortage of
uranium (or plutonium for manufacturing weapons), my understanding is
that the once-through cycle is the preferred one from an environmental
point of view.

Grant I. Nixon, Ph.D., P.Phys.
Science Specialist (Dosimetry/Physics/Engineering),
BEST Theratronics
413 March Road
Ottawa, ON  K2K 0E9
Canada
tel. (613) 591-2100 x2869
fax. (613) 591-2250


-----Original Message-----
From: radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl [mailto:radsafe-bounces at radlab.nl] On
Behalf Of Otto G. Raabe
Sent: Friday, October 03, 2008 4:01 PM
To: Dan W McCarn; 'Perrero, Daren'; radsafe at radlab.nl
Cc: 'Peterson, Ken'
Subject: Re: [ RadSafe ] NPT, Reprocessing & Mining Issues

At 02:27 PM 10/2/2008, Dan W McCarn wrote:
>Yes, that is my recollection as well.  I think that Carter's ban on
>reprocessing was intended to send a signal to the rest of the world
>regarding the NPT and non-proliferation, but also that the cost of a
full
>nuclear fuel cycle (as apposed to once-through) did not make it an
>economically attractive possibility.
***************************************
In this age of environmentalism, we need to stop using the industrial 
term, "reprocessing".

The more publicly friendly term is "recycling".

Recycling fuel somewhat solves one of the other public concerns, 
"What about the waste?"

Otto

**********************************************
Prof. Otto G. Raabe, Ph.D., CHP
Center for Health & the Environment
University of California
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
E-Mail: ograabe at ucdavis.edu
Phone: (530) 752-7754   FAX: (530) 758-6140
*********************************************** 
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