1/ Uranium resources are estimated quantities recoverable by mining. existence of at least the amounts shown. The 5th percentile 3/ The $15 category was added for purposes of this study. Confidence limits are based on an estimated +15% confidence range. 4/ Includes lower cost resource categories. 45 COMMERCIAL NUCLEAR WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM/ INTERIM SPENT FUEL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Within the scope of the Commercial Nuclear Waste Management Program, DOE is responsible for disposing of high-level radioactive waste from civilian uses of nuclear power including carrying out a high-level liquid radioactive waste management demonstration project near West Valley, New York, under the provisions of the West Valley Demonstration Project Act. The overall program also includes the Remedial Action Program for cleanup of radioactively contaminated surplus sites and facilities. With regard to commercial spent fuel, the program in prior years had focused on preparations for Federally provided away-from-reactor (AFR) spent fuel storage. These activities are being discontinued. The Spent Fuel Storage . Program is being refocussed to concentrate on the development of alternative spent fuel storage techniques to enhance utility provided at-reactor storage capabilities. The policy with regard to nuclear waste will continue to be directed toward the protection of public health and safety now and in the future. The FY 1982 program reflects a growing understanding of the issues that must be satisfactorily resolved in order to proceed with the siting of waste disposal facilities. It is also directed toward obtaining the required approval of permanent disposal facilities from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). COMMERCIAL WASTE MANAGEMENT This activity includes Terminal Isolation, Waste Systems Evaluation and Public Interaction, and the West Valley Demonstration Project. TERMINAL ISOLATION The terminal isolation program is directed toward use of mined repositories in deep geologic formations in the continental United States. A final environmental impact statement, published in October 1980, examined the several alternative technologies for terminal isolation, and analysis concluded that there are no environmental issues that would preclude a program strategy based on disposal of wastes in deep geologic repositories. A formal record of decision reflecting this program strategy will be issued shortly. Under the terminal isolation program, the necessary research and development to identify sites for repositories and to develop technology necessary for the design, licensing, construction and operation of a geologic repository is being conducted. The repository will be designed to accept both solidified high-level waste and transuranic waste. The repository could also accept unreprocessed spent fuel, if disposal of such materials were deemed appropriate. |