Implications of environmental program planning for siting a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain,Nevada, USA |
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Authors: | Charles R Malone |
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Institution: | (1) Nuclear Waste Project Office, Capitol Complex, 89710 Carson City, Nevada, USA |
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Abstract: | The US Department of Energy (DOE) plans to conduct site characterization studies at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, to determine if
the location is a suitable site for a nuclear waste repository. In lieu of traditional environmental review in accordance
with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the DOE is relying on an environmental assessment (EA) mandated by the
Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 as the cornerstone of its environmental program for the Yucca Mountain Project. Because of
statutory restrictions, the EA is not based on comprehensive baseline information. Neither does it address fundamentals of
environmental analysis such as ecological integrity and assessment of cumulative impacts. Consequently, the present environmental
program for Yucca Mountain reflects decisions made without complete information and integrated environmental review. The shortcomings
of the program risk compromising the natural integrity of Yucca Mountain and invalidating future assessment of the ability
of a nuclear waste repository located at the site to protect the environment. Significant improvements are needed in the repository
siting program before it can serve as a model of how society can evaluate the long-term environmental consequences of advanced
technologies, as has been suggested. |
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Keywords: | Environmental analysis Repository siting Yucca Mountain |
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