PNNL

Abstract

In this paper, a preliminary evaluation of removing used nuclear fuel (UNF) from 12 shutdown sites was conducted. Shutdown sites are defined as those commercial nuclear power reactor sites where the nuclear power reactors have been shut down and the site has been decommissioned or is undergoing decommissioning. The shutdown sites were Maine Yankee, Yankee Rowe, Connecticut Yankee, Humboldt Bay, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Trojan, La Crosse, Zion, Crystal River, Kewaunee, and San Onofre. The evaluation was divided into four components: • characterization of the UNF and greater-than-Class C low-level radioactive waste (GTCC waste) inventory • a description of the on-site infrastructure and conditions relevant to transportation activities • an evaluation of the near-site transportation infrastructure and experience relevant to shipping transportation casks containing UNF from the shutdown sites, including gaps in information • an evaluation of the actions necessary to prepare for and remove UNF and GTCC waste from the shutdown sites. The primary sources for the inventory of UNF and GTCC waste are the DOE RW-859 used nuclear fuel inventory database, industry sources such as StoreFUEL and SpentFUEL, and government sources such as the NRC. The primary sources for the information on the site conditions and near-site transportation infrastructure and experience include site visits to the Maine Yankee, Yankee Rowe, Connecticut Yankee, Humboldt Bay, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Trojan, La Crosse, and Zion sites; information provided by managers at the shutdown sites; Facility Interface Data Sheets compiled for DOE in 2005; Services Planning Documents prepared for DOE in 1993 and 1994; industry publications such as Radwaste Solutions; and Google Earth. State and Regional Group representatives, a Tribal representative, and a Federal Railroad Administration representative participated in six of the shutdown site visits. All sites were found to have at least one off-site transportation mode option for removing their UNF and GTCC waste, and some sites have two options. Large component removals during reactor decommissioning provided an important source of information in determining transportation mode options. Especially important in conducting the evaluation were site visits, through which information was obtained that would not have been available otherwise. Extensive photographs taken during the site visits proved to be particularly useful in documenting the current conditions at or near the sites. Additional conclusions from this evaluation include: • Although there are common aspects, each site has some unique features and/or conditions. • The 12 sites use designs from 4 different suppliers, including 9 different (horizontal and vertical) storage systems that would require 8 different transportation cask designs. • Although some regulatory actions will be required, all UNF at the initial 9 shutdown sites (Maine Yankee, Yankee Rowe, Connecticut Yankee, Humboldt Bay, Big Rock Point, Rancho Seco, Trojan, La Crosse, and Zion) is in licensed systems that can be transported, including a small amount of high-burnup fuel. • Each site indicated that 2-3 years of advanced time is required for preparations prior to pick-up. • Most sites have multiple transportation options, e.g., rail, barge, or heavy haul truck, as well as constraints and preferences. It is expected that additional site visits will be conducted to update the information used in the evaluation. Additional sites may be added to the evaluation if further site closures are announced.