Feds cancel research shipment of spent nuclear fuel to Idaho

Federal authorities have canceled a proposed research shipment of spent nuclear fuel to eastern Idaho.

Idaho National Laboratory Director Mark Peters in a letter to employees Friday afternoon says the U.S. Department of Energy won’t send 25 fuel rods weighing about 100 pounds to the facility.

The move comes after federal and state officials couldn’t come to terms on a waiver to a 1995 agreement that ties such shipments to nuclear waste cleanup at the 890-square-mile site. The federal agency is currently in violation of the agreement because of its failure to convert 900,000 gallons of liquid waste into solid form due to malfunctions at a $571 million plant.

Two former Idaho governors blasted the proposed shipments when they became known in January. But state officials say they’re worth $20 million a year to Idaho.

Attorney General Lawrence Wasden issued the following statement:

“I’m disappointed that a shipment of spent fuel rods is being taken to a facility other than the Idaho National Laboratory,” Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said. “There is no doubt in my mind that INL is the appropriate place for this important research.”
“But even more disappointing is the Department of Energy’s decision not to participate in direct and meaningful negotiations that could have led to a resolution that served the interests of all parties.”

“Yet, I remain hopeful that DOE will recognize the necessity of curing its contractual breach of the 1995 Settlement Agreement,” Wasden said. “I encourage DOE to work with me, not only to ensure the agency’s commitments to the citizens of this state are honored, but in the belief that together, we can clear a pathway forward to future research and prosperity for the lab and the region.”

“Partnerships can only thrive if the players agree not just to enjoy the benefits, but to also share in its obligations,” Wasden said.

The Department of Energy released the following statement.

• Over the last few months, representatives from DOE and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office have been discussing the circumstances needed for the State to waive the suspension of proposed shipments of research quantities of spent nuclear fuel to INL. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach an understanding in time to accommodate the necessary transportation planning for the first proposed shipment.

• The Department continues to strongly support the role of INL in nuclear energy research, and in particular, with its strong core competencies in the field of nuclear fuel development. The Department will continue to work with the State of Idaho to find a path forward for the second proposed shipment of spent fuel for research at INL.

Below is a Q&A about the decision.

What specifically were the conditions that DOE found to be unreasonable?

DOE is not able to comment on the specifics of those discussions.

Where is DOE sending the material?

The Department is currently assessing other potential destinations for this proposed shipment.

Why didn’t DOE reach an agreement with the state of Idaho?

See the answer to question 1. The Department appreciates the time and dedication that Idaho’s elected officials took in working on this proposed shipment. DOE has made substantial progress with INL’s cleanup, and through these efforts DOE has reduced threats to the environment, including to the Snake River Plain Aquifer. The Department is appreciates Idaho’s commitment to the cleanup of INL and to the resolution of the concerns about current issues regarding the Integrated Waste Treatment Unit (IWTU).

Will there be layoffs at Idaho National Lab?

No. Existing resources that would have played a role will continue with on-going research being performed at the INL.

How does this impact the second shipment?

The Department continues to strongly support the role of INL in nuclear energy research, and in particular, with its strong core competencies in the field of nuclear fuel development. The Department will continue to work with the State of Idaho in an effort to identify a path forward for the proposed second shipment of spent fuel for research at INL.

What impact will this have on Spent Nuclear Fuel research?

The Department will continue to work with its industry partners on important research by using the expertise at other laboratories.