Bugs in the nuclear fuel cycle

In March 1975 ERDA published a report (ERDA-33) which concluded that unless prompt and effective actions are taken for the safeguarding and handling of nuclear fuels, the use of nuclear fission energy is limited. If nuclear power development is to continue fuel reprocessing plants must become operational, acceptable safeguards systems for separated Pu must be established, and the safe permanent disposal of high-level radioactive wastes must be demonstrated. The problems and risks involved in the storage of spent reactor fuel, the reprocessing of the spent fuel for the recovery of Pu and unused U, the disposal of high-level radioactive waste, and the shipment of nuclear material, mainly that of spent fuel and high-level waste, are discussed. (LCL)