Year
1989
Abstract
As a consequence of continuing widespread use of nuclear power, increasing, attention is being focussed worldwide on the disposal of spent fuel and high level waste. The Department of Energy Office of Safeguards and Security (DOE/OSS) concomitantly has begun focussing more attention on international safeguards for long term and final geologic storage of spent fuel and waste. The main challenge is the development of a concept that is both effective and and is integrated into the design and of spent fuel and waste handling safeguards efficient, operation facilities. Development of international safeguards concepts and measures will take into account specific issues such as the unique operating and design features of the spent fuel and waste management system. Research and development (R&D) will start by considering existing material accountancy measures and currently developed containment and surveillance (C/S) systems. However, many of the issues such as the unique physical and environmental features of these facilities make use of conventional safeguards equipment, devices, and technologies difficult. Where appropriate, new safeguards technologies specific to the facilities will be developed to insure effective and efficient international safeguards. The DOE international safeguards R&D program has initiated studies for the development of safeguards measures for spent fuel and waste management which are intended to be responsive to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) interests in the successful application of international safeguards and consistent with U.S. nonproliferation interests.