The Department of Energy announced it will transport 403 canisters of nuclear waste to the Nevada National Security Site beginning in 2014, a controversial move that has some people up in arms. How will it work? These stats offer a peek at the process. Draw your own conclusions:
196,000 Number of accident-free hazardous materials shipments by Tennessee’s Hittman Transport Services, which will be transporting the waste in steel cargo containers on semi trailers. Armed federal agents will accompany each shipment, and all drivers have security clearance.
5.75 Inches of lead lining the casks storing the waste, which is in the form of ceramic-like solids bonded to the inside of welded steel containers (approximately 24 inches tall and 4 inches in diameter). The casks also feature 2.19 inches of steel shielding.
8 Feet of soil that will cover the casks once they’ve been buried at the NNSS.