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Storing Nuclear Waste, Exams of Environmental Science

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)Environmental Science

The issue of nuclear waste produced by nuclear power plants in the US and the need to store it safely. It explains the dangers of radioactive materials and the risks associated with exposure to them. The document also explores various options for storing nuclear waste and the recommendation of experts to store it in deep underground storage sites. an activity for students to consider the factors that must be considered when deciding where to store nuclear waste.

Typology: Exams

2022/2023

Uploaded on 03/14/2023

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GEOLOGY 3

1 Storing Nuclear Waste

TALKING IT OVER

E

ACH YEAR, THE

United States produces between 2,000 and 2,400

metric tons of nuclear waste at nuclear power plants. Nuclear

waste is the leftover radioactive material produced by nuclear

reactors. Radioactive materials radiate energy, some of which is

harmful. It can’t be seen, felt, or heard, but it can damage living cells

and cause diseases, such as cancer. Currently, most nuclear waste

is stored at the power plants where it is produced. If the containers

storing nuclear waste were to leak, it could be released into the air

or nearby bodies of water. This could be dangerous for people living

nearby who breathe the air and interact with the water. Individuals

who inhale or ingest radioactive materials are more likely to develop

radiation-related illnesses than people who do not. The level of risk

depends on the dose and length of exposure to radiation.

For more than 50 years, scientists have been considering ways

to store nuclear waste safely. They have proposed sending it into

space, placing it in the ocean floor, and burying it on a remote

island. But those options all pose problems. Most experts now

agree that the safest solution is to

store nuclear waste in containers

engineered to contain the waste

and place them in a central

location deep underground. In

January 2012, a group of experts

appointed by the president, called

the Commission on America’s

Nuclear Future, recommended

that the country should find

and develop one or more deep

underground storage sites. In order

to pursue this recommendation,

there are many scientific and social

issues involved in choosing a site

for nuclear waste storage.1

1 NGCCCO3

Electricity is generated at

a nuclear power plant.

Discover Exams of Environmental Science Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

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Storing Nuclear Waste

TA L K I N G I T O V E R

E

ACH YEAR, THE United States produces between 2,000 and 2, metric tons of nuclear waste at nuclear power plants. Nuclear waste is the leftover radioactive material produced by nuclear reactors. Radioactive materials radiate energy, some of which is harmful. It can’t be seen, felt, or heard, but it can damage living cells and cause diseases, such as cancer. Currently, most nuclear waste is stored at the power plants where it is produced. If the containers storing nuclear waste were to leak, it could be released into the air or nearby bodies of water. This could be dangerous for people living nearby who breathe the air and interact with the water. Individuals who inhale or ingest radioactive materials are more likely to develop radiation-related illnesses than people who do not. The level of risk depends on the dose and length of exposure to radiation. For more than 50 years, scientists have been considering ways to store nuclear waste safely. They have proposed sending it into space, placing it in the ocean floor, and burying it on a remote island. But those options all pose problems. Most experts now agree that the safest solution is to store nuclear waste in containers engineered to contain the waste and place them in a central location deep underground. In January 2012, a group of experts appointed by the president, called the Commission on America’s Nuclear Future, recommended that the country should find and develop one or more deep underground storage sites. In order to pursue this recommendation, there are many scientific and social issues involved in choosing a site for nuclear waste storage.^1 1 NGCCCO Electricity is generated at a nuclear power plant.

ACTIVITY 1 STORING NUCLEAR WASTE

GUIDING QUESTION

What factors must be considered when deciding where to store nuclear waste?

MATERIALS

For each student 1 Student Sheet 1.1, “Considering Where to Store Nuclear Waste”

PROCEDURE

Part A: Reading about Nuclear Waste

With your group, read the background information about nuclear waste on the pages that follow. Have each person read one section aloud.
Based on the background information you read, discuss what you would look for in a site to store nuclear waste.^23 Remember to listen to and consider the ideas of the other members of your group. If you disagree with others in your group, explain why you disagree.

Background Information about Nuclear Waste

Where is nuclear waste generated? Reactors create nuclear waste at nuclear power plants, nuclear medical treat- ment facilities, and nuclear research and technology facilities. The materials have high to low levels of radioactivity depending on the technology they are used for. Nuclear reactors at power plants and government defense projects generate the most nuclear waste. Most of it is in the form of highly radioactive solids made of metal, ceramic, or glass. Some of these solids will remain radio- active for a few years, but others are likely to remain radioactive for at least 250,000 years. How are people protected from nuclear waste? The most likely danger from nuclear waste is the accidental release of radia- tion into the air or water, where it can spread through the environment and might be ingested or inhaled. Nuclear waste is stored in containers made of lead, steel, and concrete to protect people from its harmful effects and to prevent it from leaking into air and water supplies. The containers are built to resist impact, high temperatures, and corrosive chemicals. However, water is present everywhere underground, and it is possible that water could damage 23 NGCCNS4ELRS

ACTIVITY 1 STORING NUCLEAR WASTE Part B: Analyzing Maps

Examine the two maps below and on the following page: “Population Density by County” and “U.S. Locations of Operating Nuclear Reactors.” Describe the patterns you notice in the data presented on the maps with your group. Then, discuss how these data influences your thinking about where to store nuclear waste.^456
Record your ideas about how the data from the two maps would inform your decision about where to store nuclear waste on Student Sheet 1.1, “Considering Where to Store Nuclear Waste.” In the first column, write the two considerations about which you gathered data from the maps: human population density and locations of operating nuclear reactors. In the second column, write the action you would recommend in regard to each consid- eration. Explain why you would recommend taking this action when deciding where to store nuclear waste.^78
In your group of four students, discuss and share your ideas from Student Sheet 1.1. 456 ELRS681NGCCPA2NGSPAD 78 NGCCNS4MAMP 3780 LabAids SEPUP Issues Earth Sci SB Figure: EaSB D 49.01a 2e LegacySansMedium 10/11. Average number of people/square mile 300.0 or more 200.0 to 299. 100.0 to 199. 50.0 to 99. 10.0 to 49. Fewer than 10. Population Density by County in the Contiguous U.S. 3780 LabA Figure: Ea LegacySan

STORING NUCLEAR WASTE ACTIVITY 1

ANALYSIS

Do you think that storing nuclear waste in one or two sites deep in the ground would be better than the current situation where nuclear waste is stored at the sites where it is produced? Explain by a. stating your decision. b. supporting your decision with as many pieces of evidence as you can. Evidence is factual information or data that support or refute a claim c. discussing the trade-offs of your decision. A trade-off is a desirable outcome given up to gain another desirable outcome.^910
What other information would you like to have before you make a decision about where to store nuclear waste? Be sure to explain how this information would be helpful.^1112
Choose one of the recommended actions you described on Student Sheet 1.1. Are there any disadvantages associated with taking this action? Explain why or why not. 910 SEASET1NGCCNS 1112 NGES3B1NGSPAQ 780 LabAids SEPUP Issues Earth Sci SB 2e igure: EaSB D 49.01b 2e egacySansMedium 10/11. Locations of Operating Nuclear Reactors in the Contiguous U.S.