INHERENT SECURITY BENEFITS OF UNDERGROUND DRY STORAGE OF NUCLEAR MATERIALS

This paper will examine the inherent security benefits of underground dry storage of nuclear materials. Specific items to be presented include: the successful implementation of this type of storage configuration at Argonne National Laboratory-West; facility design concepts with security as a primary consideration; physical barriers achieved by container design; detection, assessment, and monitoring capabilities; and “self protection” strategies. The technical operational aspects of the facility are beyond the scope of this paper.