Nuclear Power
...ear power plant, which is the method that is currently being utilized. Many people believe that this is a safe way to get rid of nuclear waste. This is done by storing used fuel in steel-lined, concrete vaults filled with water. “The water cools the used fuel and acts as a shield, to protect workers from radiation.” (US Council on Energy Awareness) This takes up space at the plants though, and prevents them from expanding. Also nuclear plants are only licensed to a certain area for a designated period of time, so when this time period is over, the disposal of the waste again becomes an issue. Another way that people have considered storing the waste is by sending it into space. Some of the ideas include sending it to the moon, putting it into orbit, or even launching it into the sun. Another alternative that people have taken into account is to store the waste in containers under the sea beds. Because of the length of time that the material would need to be stored for, though, many people wonder if the casing that it was held in could rust and possibly release the poisonous substance into our oceans. Geologic formations have also been considered for holding the nuclear waste. This is an option that is currently being considered, and has been dubbed the safest way in which to dispose of nuclear waste by the government. An example of this is the Yucca Mountain Project in Nevada. “The project involves extensive scientific study on Yucca Mountain's geology, hydrology, biology, and climate. If found suitable, Yucca Mountain could be part of the nation's first long-term solution to a compelling environmental problem.” (Gold, Ezra) Another method of disposal is called the MOX fuel burning option which is “carried out by mixing plutonium with uranium and producing a slightly different fuel” which can be burned. (Nuclear Waste: Storage and Disposal Methods) This method allows the plutonium to be burned up by nuclear fission which lets more of the plutonium be used as a power source. This way still produces excess plutonium, but it is far less harmful to the environment than the original product. One of the downfalls to this technique is that the product would still have to be disposed of in the end. Although many people may agree with storing nuclear waste in a certain place, they certainly would not want the waste to be transported through their city or town, possibly exposing them to radiation. This is why the transportation of nuclear waste is such a debated topic as well. In order to transport the waste, it must first be put into cases called casks that are designed to “limit radiation and protect the waste in case of a shipping accident.” (Eno Louden, Jennifer L.) However, these casks that would be used have not even been tested or built. This aspect of the disposal of the nuclear waste from energy is one that many people show concern about due to the health risks to people. Because of so many risks and concerns caused by the disposal of nuclear waste in order to have nuclear energy, many people have considered alternative sources of energy all together. Some of these options would be solar powered, wind powered, geothermal, and hydroelectric power. Solar power is one of the substitutes considered because it is renewable and releases no pollution. However, it is only successful if it is in the right location and weather. Wind power is another option, which could also produce energy without any pollu...