DOE Needs To Evaluate Fully the Waste Management Effects of Extending the Useful Life of Nuclear Fuel

Gao ID: RCED-84-111 January 27, 1984

GAO determined whether the Department of Energy (DOE) needs to do more to evaluate the potential impact of extended nuclear fuel burnup under its program for accepting spent commercial nuclear fuel under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act.

GAO found that, although DOE supports commercial utilities' creating their own storage programs which extend the useful life of nuclear fuel, it is uncertain whether the industry will pursue and develop such programs. GAO believes that DOE should continue to improve the spent fuel use and storage at commercial power plants. In fiscal year 1984, Congress appropriated $4.5 million dollars for DOE to continue its participation in the program.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

Director: Daniel C. White Team: General Accounting Office: Resources, Community, and Economic Development Division Phone: (301) 353-3711


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