Oyster Creek
utilizes the latest technology, dry fuel storage, for storing
its used fuel (also called spent fuel). Dry fuel storage
safely and securely keeps spent fuel assemblies from nuclear
reactors. Unlike "wet" spent fuel storage facilities that
use large pools of water for cooling, dry fuel storage uses
air for cooling.
 The
storage method starts with a very strong leak-tight stainless
steel canister into which spent fuel assemblies are placed.
The canister is transported in a thick steel cask that is
tightly sealed and then placed within a reinforced concrete
storage vault. The vault walls are two feet thick and are
designed to withstand natural or man-made events (including
but not limited to, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados, fire
and floods).
The storage facility is protected by security measures
that are equivalent to those for the plant itself. This
storage and security system makes dry fuel storage a safe
and secure way to temporarily store used fuel. Since 1986,
more than a dozen U.S. nuclear plants have supplemented
their storage capacity with dry storage facilities.
For several years, Congress and the Administration have
been working toward a permanent used fuel storage facility,
called Yucca Mountain , that would house used fuel from
the nation's nuclear plants. More information about Yucca
Mountain can be found by visiting the Nuclear
Energy Institute . |
