PROGRESS ON COOPERATIVE US AND RUSSIAN PROGRAMS TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL AND PHYSICAL SECURITY OF SNF IN NW RUSSIA

Northwest Russia contains large quantities of spent nuclear fuel, solid radioactive waste, and liquid radioactive waste that potentially threaten the fragile environment of the surrounding Arctic region. The United States is currently providing assistance to the Russian Federation (RF) in managing some aspects of these issues. Some current projects include the development of prototype transport and storage containers, container storage facilities, and modernization of a LRW treatment facility. Additional projects are being initiated to improve the efficiencies of fuel loading, increase the fuel capacities of the containers, and assist in the management of other radioactive components from nuclear submarines. Considering the recent terrorist attacks there has been increased interest in the physical protection of all SNF whether in Russia or any other