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Management of Commercially Generated Radioactive Waste - U.S. ...

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Response<br />

395.<br />

ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL CONCEPTS<br />

Utilization <strong>of</strong> separated constituents from spent fuel waste has been studied for many<br />

years and no practical demand has developed. There appears to be no urgent current reason<br />

to separate unsalable fractions. The concept <strong>of</strong> partitioning highly radioactive species<br />

can be applied in conjunction with the space disposal option, as discussed in Section 6.1.8.<br />

Draft Section 3.9.1<br />

Issue<br />

Several commenters noted that in a discussion <strong>of</strong> the.disadvantages <strong>of</strong> the transmuta-<br />

tion option, the Statement did not make a clear presentation <strong>of</strong> the pros and cons <strong>of</strong> the<br />

concept. (58, 124)<br />

Response<br />

In the preparation <strong>of</strong> the final Statement, efforts were made to provide a balanced dis-<br />

cussion <strong>of</strong> the advantages and disadvantages <strong>of</strong> the concept using the most current informa-<br />

tion available in the technical literature.<br />

Draft Section 3.9.1<br />

Issue<br />

In Section 3.9.1.2 the disadvantages <strong>of</strong> increased thermal loading is misleading. In<br />

fact, it may be advantageous to.separate the high heat producing isotopes (e.g., dilution<br />

to control volumetric heat generation <strong>of</strong> such nuclides). It is suggested that the counter<br />

argument to this disadvantage be included in the list <strong>of</strong> advantages. (124)<br />

Response<br />

The statement was misunderstood here. Partitioning certain high level isotopes<br />

reduces the bulk waste heat generation rate. Partitioning <strong>of</strong> long-lived transuranics<br />

reduces the time at which the bulk wastes are radiologically significant. Disadvantages,<br />

as pointed out in the Statement, center on the added costs and risks to both occupational<br />

groups and-general population.<br />

Draft Section 3.9.2<br />

Issue<br />

It is difficult to recognize the future importance <strong>of</strong> transmutation. Since the<br />

authors <strong>of</strong> the EIS have apparently utilized availability as an important parameter for<br />

applicability in disposing <strong>of</strong> nuclear waste, it is a foregone conclusion that transmutation<br />

cannot be taken seriously. (124)

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