How is high-level waste transported?
Once a permanent federal waste repository is available, truck or rail will move commercial high-level waste from nuclear power plants. It will go to a packaging and handling facility or to the permanent repository for disposal. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the NRC, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and state agencies will all play key roles in the transportation of spent fuel to the repository. DOE’s Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management will manage the transportation of spent fuel. DOT, NRC, and states will regulate DOE transportation. What precautions does DOE use to protect the public during the transportation of nuclear waste? There are risks associated with shipping nuclear waste, as there are with shipping any material. The greatest risk in transportation is the possibility of a vehicle accident. Stringent regulations governing package design and transport significantly reduce the risks associated with shipping nuclear waste. Before a cask is used to
