What would happen to spent fuel in storage if it were subjected to terrorist attack?
The NRC considers spent fuel storage facilities to be robust so that in the event of a terrorist attack similar to those of September 11, 2001, no negative effect on the storage of radioactive materials would result. Spent fuel pools and dry storage casks do not have flammable material to fuel long-duration fires, unlike the structures that were destroyed on September 11, 2001.The NRC is conducting a comprehensive evaluation that includes consideration of potential consequences of terrorist attacks using various explosives or other techniques on spent fuel pools and dry storage casks. As part of this reevaluation, the agency will consider the need for additional requirements to enhance licensee security and public safety.
The NRC considers spent fuel storage facilities to be robust so that in the event of a terrorist attack similar to those of September 11, 2001, no negative effect on the storage of radioactive materials would result. Spent fuel pools and dry storage casks do not have flammable material to fuel long-duration fires, unlike the structures that were destroyed on September 11, 2001. The NRC is conducting a comprehensive evaluation that includes consideration of potential consequences of terrorist attacks using various explosives or other techniques on spent fuel pools and dry storage casks. As part of this reevaluation, the agency will consider the need for additional requirements to enhance licensee security and public safety.
