An exploratory attempt to incorporate social criteria into spent nuclear fuel site screening and relocation
Publication Date
Spring 2025
Publisher
Cal Poly Humboldt - Theisis
Abstract
Spent nuclear fuel, also known as nuclear waste, is the byproduct of nuclear power generation. The need for safe and responsible long-term storage and disposal of radioactive fuel presents significant technical and social challenges. These challenges are compounded by several factors, including the emerging nuclear renaissance in the United States, climate and coastal hazards, and the lack of consolidated interim or permanent storage. This research explores perceptions of risk, relocation, and siting spent nuclear fuel, predominantly focusing on Humboldt County, California. I used online surveys, the Analytic Hierarchy Process, and geographic information systems (GIS) analysis to inform how social and community-focused criteria may influence spent nuclear fuel relocation site screening decisions when integrated with physical, environmental, and infrastructural criteria. I found that the methods I used did not fully capture the intricacies necessary for the topic of spent nuclear fuel site screening. Results also showed that criteria such as safety, site risk, community consent, and environmental justice should be high-level considerations for spent nuclear fuel siting