In decades past, the U.S. government has licensed thousands of sealed radioactive sources to industry and to universities for medical research. But no process existed to permanently dispose of these sources when no longer needed or wanted. This constituted a potential health and safety risk to U.S. citizens. In the wrong hands, these materials could be used by terrorists to make “dirty bombs.”
We guided an expert task force - drawn from Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories and the private sector - to develop a strategic plan for permanent disposal. A common but robust planning framework was crucial, given the technical uncertainties and political complexity. Finding an acceptable solution required the cooperation of multiple levels of government and many regulatory agencies. During an iterative series of planning sessions spanning several months, a comprehensive work plan was developed. This plan included conducting studies of potential locations meeting stringent geological requirements, developing site licensing criteria, and inviting public participation as the process moved forward.
The action plan was approved by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Energy. Since then, the project’s objectives have been accomplished. This has improved public health and safety, and significantly reduced the threat of materials being diverted for malicious use. In 2006, the broader Sealed Source recovery project received the Los Alamos “Project of the Year” award.