Year
1990
Abstract
The success of the Civilian Radioactive Waste Management Program is critical to U.S. ability to manage and dispose of nuclear waste safely — and to the reestablishment of confidence in the nuclear energy option. The program must conform with all applicable standards and, in fact, set the example for a national policy on the safe disposal of radioactive waste. An extensive review of the Civilian Radioactive Waste Management program by Admiral Watkins during his first year concluded that the previous program could not be effectively executed. Schedule slips, management structure, and contractor support in the program were examined and a report was submitted to Congress describing the results of that review and outlining actions the Secretary has taken and will take to restructure the program in order to get it moving forward again. The major elements of this plan as well as the new initiatives by the recently appointed Director of the Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management will be described more fully in this presentation.