Skip to main content

Currently Skimming:

Executive Summary
Pages 1-6

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 1...
... , the part of the National Research Council responsible for studies on nuclear waste, in response to its observation that many nations, including the United States, were encountering significant difficulties and 1 As discussed in Chapter 1, for convenience in terminology the committee uses the term "high-level waste" to include high-level waste from reprocessing nuclear fuels, spent nuclear fuel (SNF) if it is considered to be a waste, and other nuclear materials designated for disposal along with reprocessing waste and SNF.
From page 2...
... The challenge is not just to identify options that are deemed suitable by the technical experts, but also to assure that the decision processes and waste management technologies chosen have broad public support. · The feasible options are monitored storage on or near the earth's surface and geological disposition.
From page 3...
... Difficulties in achieving public support have been seriously underestimated in the past, and opportunities to increase public involvement and to gain public trust have been missed. Most countries have made major changes in their approach to waste disposition to address the recognized societal challenges.
From page 4...
... Cooperation especially can help less advantaged nations, for example, those with more limited financial means, small nuclear programs, or unfavorable geology. Cooperation can range from shared research programs to shared storage or disposal facilities offered by a host country to other nations.
From page 5...
... 4. National programs should increase international cooperation by sharing information, coordinating policies, supporting international organizations, developing a consensus on international standards, and seeking other ways to assure that all countries achieve safe disposition of their radioactive waste.
From page 6...
... Safety and security assessment experts must communicate their belief that their calculated results, although imperfect, provide sufficiently reliable input for decision makers. As long as one can be accurate in assuring that the levels of radioactivity release are low, precise estimates are not needed.


This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
More information on Chapter Skim is available.