Waste Confidence Decision Review: Status

On September 18, 1990 (55 FR 38474), the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued the results of the first review of its Waste Confidence Decision, originally issued on August 31, 1984 (49 FR 34658). The purpose of the original Waste Confidence Decision was ``to assess the degree of assurance now available that radioactive waste can be safely disposed of, to determine when such disposal or offsite storage will be available and to determine whether radioactive waste can be safely stored onsite past the expiration of existing facility licenses until offsite disposal or storage is available.'' (49 FR 34658). In 1984, the Commission concluded that there was reasonable assurance that safe disposal in a geologic repository is technically feasible, one or more repositories would be available by the years 2007-2009, and spent fuel will be managed in a safe manner until sufficient repository capacity is available. The 1990 review of this decision basically affirmed the findings of the original decision and further determined that spent fuel could be safely stored and managed under existing processes through the first quarter of the 21st century and 30 years beyond the licensed life for power reactor operation. In its 1990 review, the Commission stated that its next review of the waste confidence issues would occur in ten years. As the ten year period for review approaches, the Commission is issuing this notice on its intent with regard to further Waste Confidence reviews. The Commission is of the view that experience and developments since 1990 confirm the Commission's 1990 Waste Confidence findings. Thus, the Commission has decided that a comprehensive evaluation of the Waste Confidence Decision at this time is not necessary. The Commission would consider undertaking a comprehensive evaluation when the impending repository development and regulatory activities have run their course or if significant and pertinent unexpected events occur, raising substantial doubt about th