Uncertainty underground : Yucca Mountain and the nation's high-level nuclear waste

摘要: Despite approval by Congress and the Bush administration over seven billion dollars already spent, Yucca Mountain, Nevada, site for disposal of highly radioactive spent nuclear fuel is not yet in operation. The reasons delay lie only citizen activist opposition to project but also numerous scientific technical issues that remain unresolved. Although many scientists favor geologic high-level waste, there are substantial unknowns projecting performance a tens hundreds thousands years may be required Environmental Protection Agency standards. Uncertainty Underground first effort review uncertainties analysis long-term proposed repository at Mountain. book does pass judgment on suitability provides reliable science-based information support open debate inquiry into its safety.Experts from geosciences, industry, government different aspects system, focusing inherent each. After an overview historical regulatory context, contributors investigate external factors (including climate change volcanic activity) could affect then turn topics concerning itself. These include hydrologic issues, geological conditions with which waste would interact, predicted behavior kinds package materials. succeeds making these important understandable wide audience, including policymakers general public.