Yucca Mountain

["Flora, Jason" <jgf7@NIOSHE2.EM.CDC.GOV>]

Hello Radsafers!


The proposed Yucca Mountain HLW site was originally scheduled to receive 
spent nuclear fuel in 1998, however, the new date is predicted to be 2015. 
 A significant technological challenge associated with the design of the 
site is that it safely contain the material for 10,000 years.

QUESTION: Is a time span of 10,000 years realistic?  Why should it be 
designed to last for such a long and unforeseeable time period?  This time 
period places a significant cost burden to the project and delays the safe 
storage of HLW.

(Reference:  Scientific American June 1996, "Can Nuclear Waste Be Stored 
Safely at Yucca Mountain?" by C.G. Whipple, pg. 72)


(Comments are those of the author and may not represent the views of NIOSH 
or WESTAT)
                    Jason Flora/WESTAT
                    NIOSH HAMILTON Bldg
                    DSHEFS/HERB
                    4676 Columbia Pkwy R-44
                    Cincinnati, OH 45226

               Voice:    513 841-4464
               Fax: 513 841-4470
               Email:    jgf7@nioshe2.em.cdc.gov