What is the danger from radioactive contamination as a result of a terrorist attack?
It is very unlikely that any substantial radiological release would occur from an attack on a spent fuel pool or dry cask storage facility. However, as indicated above, the NRC is reevaluating the need for additional requirements to enhance spent fuel security. Assessing the precise amount of contamination resulting from a release depends on many factors such as type and amount of damage to the pool, location of the damage, proximity of the storage facility to populated areas, and meteorological conditions at the time of the event. If an attack were to occur, licensees have approved emergency plans that are tested biennially involving coordination with local, State, and Federal governments. NRC believes that the health and safety of the public are well protected.
