Nuclear waste can not be disposed of practically, so storage is the typical method. Instead of dealing with the waste, we simply bury it and hope someone in the future will find a practical way to neutralize it. So far, one of the best methods of storage is underground in abandoned salt mines. These deep geological repositories are dumping grounds for the dirty side of nuclear energy. The last thing this source needs is another reason that it's dangers don't outweigh the benefits. The hopes of salt mines is that the salt will eventually contract into the caverns carved out for storage and seal the radioactive waste. The salt will keep radioactive material from escaping, produces no significant radiation of it's own, and will also prevent outside elements from coming into contact with the waste. Considering the massive amount of damage that results from the rare failure above-ground, I am not convinced that storing that spent material below-ground is a long-term practical solution.
To me, the idea of burying nuclear waste at sea and creating a monument to it is beyond malignant. At best, the monument could be a giant golden trash can or toilet, as promoting disposal as good for the environment is more than a dangerous idea, and should meet significantly more resistance. Burial in salt mines is wishful thinking, that the salt will slowly contract and seal the waste, or that future generations will find ways to neutralize the waste. Either way, that waste is not something we can discard, and is a constant reminder of the impracticality of nuclear energy and the constant dangers it poses to the world. All of these waste storage methods are in no way disposal methods of any level of responsibility. If anything, it is an effort to simply kick the can down the road, while continuing business as usual. Unfortunately, our offspring will bear the burden of dealing with our problems...
The Salt Mine Solution - Miller-McCune
Photos: Leaking Nuclear Waste Fills Former Salt Mine
Nuclear waste repositories in salt mines: a new approach to ... - NCBI
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