ESTIMATED EFFECTS ON RADIATION DOSES FROM ALTERNATIVES IN A SPENT FUEL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

This paper contains the results of a study of estimated radiation doses to the public and work- ers from the transport of spent fuel from commer- cial nuclear power reactors to a geologic reposi- tory. A postulated reference rail/legal-weight truck transportation system is defined that would use current transportation technology, and provide a breakdown of activities and time/distance/dose- rate estimates for each activity within the sys- tem. Collective doses are estimated for each of the major activities at the reactor site, in transit, and at the repository receiving facility. Annual individual doses to the maximally exposed individuals or groups of individuals are also estimated. The dose-reduction potentials and costs are estimated for a total of 17 conceptual alternatives and subalternatives to the postulated reference system. Most of the alternatives eval- uated are estimated to provide both cost and dose reductions. The major conclusion is that the potential exists for significant future reductions in radiation doses to the public and workers and for reductions in costs compared to those based on a continuation of past practices in the U.S.