Abstract: Spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste from the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel contain radioactive isotopes with half-lives exceeding ten thousand, a hundred thousand, and even a million years. Permanent disposal of these materials in stable geologic formations can protect people and the environment over the time periods necessary for the decay of these very long-lived radioactive isotopes. This presentation will introduce the concept of deep geologic disposal: What is it? How does it provide long-term passive safety? What is the foundation of the world-wide consensus that deep geologic disposal is the most credible solution for long-term safety?

Biography: Dr. Emily Stein has supported DOE’s Office of Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition (NE-8) programs for over 8 years. At Sandia National Laboratories, she has managed development of DOE’s Geologic Disposal Safety Assessment software framework, elements of DOE’s underground research activities, and R&D related to extended storage of spent nuclear fuel. Most recently she spent more than a year on detail to DOE headquarters as a Senior Advisor to the Associate Deputy Assistant Secretary for Spent Fuel and Waste Disposition, supporting strategic planning for an Integrated Waste Management System, analysis of nuclear waste policy and legislative proposals, and consent-based siting. Emily began her career in Carlsbad, New Mexico, on the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant performance assessment team. She has a PhD and MS in Earth Sciences from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a BA in Geology from Amherst College.