Question

What is the best option for nuclear waste storage? There is no right or wrong. We will explore the subject, and the option that has the most support “wins.” This is how it works in the real world; some ideas are better than others … even if they’re both right. None of these is a magic solution or it would already be in widespread use. I expect your arguments to explore the cons for your “best” option as well as the pros. Be sure to cite your sources. Do not cut and paste. All work should be original.

In your discussions, I expect to see you rely heavily on your knowledge of the electromagnetic spectrum and nuclear chemistry to support your arguments. Consider the source of the radiation and half life. Consider how radiation is emitted and absorbed by different substances.

Consider: Explore the following four methods for nuclear waste storage:

Deep Geological Disposal: Officially open Yucca Mountain or expand the WIPP facilities in New Mexico to accept non-military nuclear wastes

Transmutation: Chemical conversion of one element to another

Space Disposal: Launch nuclear waste into space using rockets

Reprocessing: Essentially recycling of nuclear fuel

Answer 1

• Short-lived radioactive waste (half-life of less than 90 days) can be stored until it decays away (called decay-in-storage). This has to be for at least 10 half-lives AND measured radiation levels are “indistinguishable from background” (meaning that when I put a meter on the waste I don’t see elevated counts)
• Liquid radioactive waste can be disposed of into the sanitary sewer system IF (and only if) it is in a non-hazardous chemical form AND the amount of radioactivity discharged does not cause you to exceed a specified radioactivity concentration, taking into account the amount of water flowing through your sewer system.
• Long-lived solid radioactive wastehas to be sent for disposal - ultimately, burial at a licensed rad wastes facility. Before being buried it might be incinerated, super-compacted, melted, solidified (e.g. mixed with concrete), or otherwise processed to reduce the final volume. But it’s ultimately going to be shipped for burial in metal drums, metal boxes, or big plastic bags.