ABSTRACT
Since the first controlled nuclear chain reaction occurred in 1942, considerable
radioactive waste has been generated around the world. By 2005, over 250,000
metric tons of highly radioactive waste had been generated worldwide. By 2010,
this amount is expected to almost double with an additional 210,000 metric tons
being produced. (EIA, 2001: 1) Since the United States generates more highly
radioactive waste than any other country, the problem of how best to cope with
the mounting inventories of the lethal waste is more acute. Today, spent nuclear
fuel from commercial nuclear power facilities and high-level waste from defense
activities are now stored on-site at numerous locations around the country.
