QA: NA
Department of Energy Policy Statement for Use of Dedicated Trains for Waste Shipments to Yucca Mountain
POLICY STATEMENT The Department of Energy (DOE) will use dedicated train service (DTS) for its usual rail transport of spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW) to the Yucca Mountain Repository site in Nevada when the repository is operational. BACKGROUND On April 8, 2004, the Department issued a record of decision on using rail as the preferred mode for transport of SNF and HLW to the repository. Using rail would result in fewer shipments than using trucks and would reduce environmental impacts. The term “dedicated train” refers to train service dedicated to one commodity (in this case, SNF and HLW). Past and current SNF shipping campaigns by DOE programs, including fuel from Three Mile Island and the West Valley Demonstration Project, the Foreign Research Reactor SNF Acceptance Program, and commercial campaigns, have used DTS. DEDICATED TRAIN SERVICE BENEFITS The benefits for the use of dedicated trains can be grouped into categories of safety, security, cost and operations. Safety SNF and HLW is shipped safely regardless of mode or type of service, primarily due to the stringent regulations in place and the robust nature of the transport packages involved. However, the radiological risk resulting from transport without incident may be lower due to decreased time in transit. Security DOE shipments have been and will continue to be made securely using both DTS and general freight service. Escort and other physical protection features can be employed using either type of service. DTS does offer some potential advantages, such as:
• Increased command and control capabilities. Shorter DTS trains allow better visual monitoring from the locomotive and escort car.
• Avoidance of lengthy “dwell times” in rail yards.
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