Abstract This paper takes a look at a proposal to store nuclearwaste in Yucca Mountain in Nevada. It examines the supposed advantages of such a proposal as well as its disadvantages and points out that, while the residents of Nevada may benefit economically from an arrangement with the federal government to bury nuclearwaste in their state, the benefits would be negligible, especially in comparison to the potential health risks that such a proposal poses.
From the Paper "The power of nuclear reactions was demonstrated in the most conclusive and drastic way possible in 1945, when the United States dropped atomic bombs on both Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. But nuclear reactions can be harnessed for peaceful, no-military uses, as well. Namely, nuclear power can be used as a source of energy. One side effect of energy generation by nuclear fission is that waste is produced and this waste is itself radioactive. The storage of the radioactive waste is, therefore, a problem, and one, in fact, with both scientific and political aspects. One state which has been repeatedly mentioned as a place within which radioactive waste could be stored is Nevada. Storing nuclear waste in Nevada has both positive and negative aspects for the state's population. Although Nevada would receive many benefits from storing nuclear waste, in actuality it poses many possible threats to the people living there."
Abstract This paper examines the problem of nuclearwastes and how it presents a particular dilemma on various fronts including health and security issues. Nuclear energy and technology has become an endemic part of modern society. The paper points out that concomitant with the significant advances in the production of nuclear energy as well as its application to the areas of medicine and defense has been the escalation of the problems of nuclearwaste disposal.
Includes several graphs and tables and diagrams.
1. Introduction
2. Classification of Types of NuclearWaste 3. Sources of NuclearWaste 3.2. Storage of Low Level Waste 3.3 Long-Term Storage of High Level Waste 3.4. The Storage of Plutonium
3.5. Transmutation
4. Conclusion
From the Paper "This debate emphasizes the dilemma and the importance of finding a permanent and less environmentally hazardous solution to the problems of nuclear waster. All of the methods discussed above provide some solutions to the problems - but they do not as yet present a permanent and fully acceptable means of waste disposal and many of the methods have significant drawbacks and are often manpower intensive and open to the vicissitudes of human error. The answer to what to do with nuclear waste has not yet been adequately answered."
Abstract This paper looks at how Yucca Mountain, located in Nye County Nevada, is the result of The NuclearWaste Policy Act that tasked the U.S. Department of Energy with finding, building, operating, and maintaining an underground facility for the storage of nuclearwaste that has been piling up since the 1940s. The paper discusses how the geological makeup that makes Yucca Mountain desirable is ignimbrite created by several eruptions of a now extinct volcano and how the ignimbrite (tuff) has special characteristics that scientists believe will contain the radioactive material for hundreds of thousands of years. TSpecifically, the paper makes the argument that the United States Government should continue to research, develop, and eventually use the Yucca Mountain NuclearWasteStorage Facility because doing so could increase economy for the state which would include more funding for school, roads, and emergency services.
From the Paper "The second major argument made for the stop of the storage facility is that the site won't actually maintain the radioactive material. The facility is located 1000 feet below ground and 1000 feet above the water table and the waste will be stored in several layers of stainless steel and nickel alloy material that will act as a container and as a rock shield should a major earthquake occur that would collapse the stone tunnel. Even if the containers should be damaged or break down, tests show that by the time the radioactive material reached the water table it would be inert. Although Nevada is ranked the third highest state in seismic activity there is no evidence that continental plates meet in the area. The risk of volcanic activity has also been pushed as a reason to shut down the site since the area was formed by volcanic activity but science shows that last minor eruption in the area occurred over eighty thousand years ago and the last large eruption that formed most of the mountains in the region occurred over 12 million years ago. "
Abstract This is a paper that discusses nuclearwaste. By analyzing what it is, we can see how it is stored, and why it can be a dangerous, but useful source of energy for the world. Also in this paper is a study of certain accidents that have occurred involving nuclearwaste such as the Chernobyl incident that devastated Russia in the last decade. All of these points are revealed in the information that has accumulated on nuclearwaste.
This paper argues against the proposed nuclearwaste repository to be located at the Yucca Mountain, less than one hundred miles from Las Vegas, Nevada.
Abstract This paper explains that the proposal to ship nuclearwaste from across the country by train to a proposed nuclearwaste at a repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, is strongly rejected by not only Nevadans but also the rest of the country. The author points out that the reasons for this rejection is not only the fear of radiation but also for Nevadans economic issues such as the decrease in property values and tourism, the cost of accident cleanup and the problems associated with short- term employment are extremely troublesome. The paper stresses that, although there is plenty of information available stating that there is no threat associated with building a repository at Yucca Mountain and shipping nuclearwaste across the country, the majority of this information comes from the Department of Energy (DOE) and their reputation and motives are suspect.
From the Paper "A possible benefit to Nevada with the building of a nuclear waste repository is the additional jobs that would be available to Nevada residents. This benefit, however, would be small and would not outweigh the economic drawbacks already mentioned. If even one hotel/casino project were not built in Nevada due to negative images or fear associated with the repository, the jobs lost from that business would not be made up by the number of jobs gained by building the repository. Because of direct and indirect employment, if one major hotel/casino was not built in Nevada, the loss could be as many as 14,200 jobs and $500 million annually for the local economy."
Abstract The paper discusses how nuclear power offers tremendous potential for human development. The paper focuses on the benefits and dangers of nuclear energy and considers the long-term consequences of exclusive reliance on fossil fuels as well as the dangers regarding operational safety, disposal of nuclearwaste and protection from terrorists. The paper concludes that the value of nuclear power outweighs the risks that are manageable through appropriate regulation.
Outline:
Executive Summary
Introduction - Nuclear Energy
The Benefits of Nuclear Energy:
Nuclear Power Plant Safety Concerns
Nuclear Power Plant Safety in the Age of Global Terrorism
Conclusion
From the Paper "Nuclear power is a relatively cheap and abundant sources of usable energy that currently provides approximately one-fifth of all the electric power used in the United States and as much as four-fifths of that used in other countries. The nature of highly radioactive materials has always posed significant safety concerns, but even more so since the onset of global terrorism. While operational safety, responsible disposal of nuclear waste, and protection from terrorists are crucial matters, a comprehensive risk-benefit analysis suggests that the eventual widespread shift to nuclear power is necessary and not associated with greater overall risk of harm than conventional energy sources or production cycles."
Abstract This paper examines how nuclear power is one of the most divisive issues in America today and how opponents of nuclear power have succeeded in convincing people to oppose the construction of new plants and to fight the relicensing of old plants. It puts forth some of the arguments from both sides to support their positions and looks at issues such as the question of safety and need for nuclear power plants and the of storing nuclearwaste. It analyzes how proponents of nuclear power present convincing arguments for the continued and expanded uses of nuclear power in this country and how they claim that the objections raised by opponents lack validity and are contrary to the facts and our experience.
From the Paper "The opponents of nuclear power focus on the inherent lack of safety that they believe that the use of nuclear power entails. This includes both the dangers of radiation from nuclear power plants and the possibility of a catastrophic accident. First, the opponents say that radiation levels are higher in areas around nuclear power plants, and this leads to an increased number of deaths from cancer. They cite the case of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station in Plymouth, Massachusetts that went online in 1988. Responding to the concerns of local residents, the state conducted a study which found that there were fifty percent more cancer cases in the five towns around the plant than there were in the rest of the state. The power company had said that people in the area would receive 400 times less radiation from the plant than they would from natural sources. Further studies showed that the risk of getting cancer was four times higher for people living within ten miles of the plant than for other parts of the state. "
Abstract The paper discusses the pros and cons of nuclear energy as a source of power. The paper argues that, despite the fears of nuclear weapons proliferation, possible accidents and the management of nuclearwaste, nuclear energy will reduce the fear of environmental pollution and will produce power relatively cheaply and in great abundance. The paper concludes that the safety standards will ensure that nuclear technology can benefit mankind.
From the Paper "This essay will explore the notion that the world needs to seriously take a look at the reintroduction of nuclear energy as a source of power generation. Historically, the fears of nuclear power arise from the devastation that the misuse of nuclear energy and the errors in the design and maintenance of nuclear reactors can wreak, have prompted people to take a pause. Nuclear non-proliferation is a worthy goal, and some countries have signed on to it; others haven't. Even countries which have committed to nuclear non-proliferation do so in varying amounts. In this essay, will be discussed the pros and cons of reintroduction of nuclear energy as a power resource."
Abstract This paper explains the reasons behind the halt in nuclear power plant construction in the United States. Factors in the decline of nuclear power plants include raising costs, disposal of nuclearwaste, concern for safety, declining public opinion and governmental programs and decisions not favorable to the nuclear power industry. Footnotes.
From the Paper "After a period of rapid growth in the nuclear power industry, resulting in over a hundred nuclear power plants being constructed in the United States alone, in the early 1970's the industry began to slow and even began to decline in the 1980"s, while the rest of the world continued to increase their nuclear industry capacity. In the mid-1970's the Atomic Energy Commission predicated that by the year 2000 there would be more than 1,000 nuclear power plants in the United States.[1] No new nuclear power plants have been ordered in the United States since 1973 and several plants have gone off-line since.[2] Between 1990 and 1995, 20 additional nuclear power plants came online outside of the United States, with an additional 36 under construction. Furthermore, Robert Newman, the President of ABB Combustion Engineering Nuclear Systems, in a October 6, 1996 New York Times article suggested that his company had been approached by the government of China with a plan to build as many as 150 nuclear power plants over the next 40 years.[3] Currently, there are over 437 nuclear power plants operating around the world.[4] Hence, while the rest of the world is increasing their dependence on nuclear power, the question becomes, why is the Untied States making a rapid reversal in its dependence on nuclear power" Several tangible factors have been suggested: the rising costs of construction of a nuclear power plant, the increase in time that it takes to construct a nuclear power plant, the disposal of low grade and high grade nuclear waste, public safety of living near a nuclear power plant, declining public support for nuclear power, and the fear of nuclear power plants contributing to the proliferation of nuclear weapons around the world."
Abstract An argumentative paper, exploring the chemical make up of uranium, showing that it is extremely difficult to dispose of this material in a complete way. It looks at current disposal practices in the world and analyzes their pros and cons.
From the Paper "Radioactive material is defined as having atoms with extremely excited outer electron shells. This makes them unstable, excitable and an efficient means of providing energy to a population that can afford a nuclear power plant. The main source of this energy is Uranium. This is a naturally occurring element found in rocks and seawater. It is the most heavy element in the periodic table, having 146 neutrons and 92 protons in its stable form. The instable form has 143 neutrons and this is the kind that is used in cores to create energy (UIC website)."
Tags: disposal, nuclear, radioactive, sun, waste, water
Abstract In order to make a judgement of the physics viability of nuclear power as an energy source for Australia, this paper explains how nuclear energy is produced, disposed of, sourced, and maintained in light of Australia's unique environment and population distribution. The paper discusses the efficiency of using nuclear energy as well as Australia's huge availability of uranium and its ample wastestorage space. The paper concludes that nuclear energy is definitely a viable method of energy for Australia but recommends that stringent laws and regulations be made to enforce adequate training of nuclear staff to minimise the risk of disasters. The paper includes a diagram of how nuclear power is produced and a map of mining locations in Australia.
From the Paper "Nuclear energy is generated by the fission of the uranium 235 isotope. U-235 is the ideal fuel for power generation because it is able to sustain a chain reaction and release energy. Uranium for fuelling nuclear generators is mined in Australia as low-grade ore. Only 0.3% of this ore is pure uranium, and after crushing, chemical treatment and concentration, only 0.7% of this residual is the required U-235 isotope. In order to ensure an induced chain reaction is sustainable, this nuclear fuel needs to be enriched (i.e. concentrated) so that the U-235 concentration is approximately 5%. (Rapkins, Rossiter, Walding, 1999)"
From the Paper "Although the nuclear waste storage problem has not yet reached crisis proportions, it is a chronic, complex issue that defies societal consensus, even within the scientific community. Each category of nuclear waste--high-level, low-level, and transuranic (TRU)--presents unique challenges for containment. All are potentially dangerous; at issue is the selection of the best options for long-term storage.
High-level nuclear waste is comprised of spent fuel from private sector and military reactors, as well as the liquids remaining from fuel processed for atomic weaponry. Used reactor fuel is considered intensely hot and irradiated. High-level nuclear wastes have long half-lives and are considered permanent hazards. (Half-life describes the amount of time required for 50 percent of a reactor fuel's original radioactivity to decay.)"
Provides background of the problem and discusses issues such as spent fuel rods & liquid waste, storage containers, laws, health & environmental threats, site selection, transportation, costs and public views.
3,150 words (approx. 12.6 pages), 15 sources, 1997, $ 111.95
From the Paper "NUCLEAR WASTE DISPOSAL
Introduction
This research considers the issue of nuclear waste disposal in the United States. The nuclear waste present in the United States is a combination of spent fuel rods from commercial nuclear power generators, high-level liquid radioactive waste from government-owned nuclear reactors uses in the production of nuclear weapons, and miscellaneous low-level nuclear wastes.
While the way in which nuclear waste should be disposed is a volatile issue, one issue that has not been adequately considered is the separation of the spent fuel rods from the commercial reactors from the high-level weapons production-related nuclear waste with respect to disposal of the materials. Currently, policy calls for all nuclear waste to be placed in long-term storage at..."
Abstract This paper explains the variables that must be considered in the decision to develop nuclear power capability such as (1) the actual location of a nuclear power plant, (2) the question of security and (3) the compatibility of entering into a nuclear program within the context of the country's long-range energy plans, international policies and aspirations and their level of scientific and technical education. The author points out that the critical gap in plans to expand British civil nuclear programs, which is widely recognized both by promoters and opposers of nuclear power, is the problem of managing radioactive wastes. The paper relates that the French policy differs from from the British policy in that it has gone beyond the concept of "nuclear substitution", designed to diversify and stabilize energy-producing capacity, into a policy of "nuclear electrification" under which the growth of electricity consumption has been deliberately encouraged.
From the Paper "The lack of progress in the British industry reflects a number of fundamental differences between the two nations. One is relatively energy-rich while the other is energy-poor, and the insecurity experienced by the French has been much less marked on the other side of the Channel. On the contrary, the British have enjoyed a flexibility in energy options that is enviable. But beyond commercial questions, and beyond questions of energy supply and demand, lie the differences in institutional power and control and differences in political planning processes that expose the actions of the British industry to far more democratic scrutiny. The anti-nuclear lobby, though less volatile than its French equivalent, is stronger and more consistent. Faced with the luxury of choice, the decision-making process slows to the point of meandering and energy planning wallows in incoherence. This has two, sometimes, conflicting, consequences. Precipitate action on a major scale is checked, but the price of these checks may be slackening technical impetus and loss of commercial advantage."
Abstract The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of nuclearwaste. The paper specifically discusses the Yucca Mountain nuclearwaste project in Nevada and the opposition to the development of this project.
From the Paper "Nuclear waste has been a growing problem since the spread of nuclear power plants in the 1950s and 1960s. The power plants rely on radioactive rods to generate nuclear power, and when the rods are spent, they are still highly radioactive, and must be stored somewhere. Currently, the spent rods are stored around the country in many different storage facilities, but for safety, the government wants to consolidate the storage in a remote facility built especially to handle large amounts of nuclear waste. While the idea sounds plausible, there have been numerous problems with the site chosen for the storage facility since its inception. "
