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Who is involved?
Department of Energy (website)
Under the NWPA, an Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM)
was created within the Department of Energy. The OCRWM is responsible
for the design of the Yucca Mountain facility, the work to receive the
necessary licenses, and the operation, closer, and reclamation of the
facility. It also must transport the nuclear wastes to the final central
storage center (discussed further in the transportation
section of this website).
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (website)
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) must provide the licenses to the
DOE before Yucca Mountain can become operational. If the NRC determines
that the License Application submitted by the DOE provides "reasonable
assurance of compliance with regulatory standards" (ES-8), the NRC
will then grant permission for construction. The NRC must also approve
all changes made to the Licensing Agreement due to changing conditions
(such as facility closure).
Environmental Protection Agency (website)
The EPA must develop radiation standards specifically for Yucca Mountain.
They must address all potential pathways of exposure: air, groundwater,
and soil.
The State of Nevada (website)
In 1985, the state of Nevada created the Nuclear Waste Project Office
(NWPO) to oversee the federal actions at the site. While the main goal
of the NWPO is to serve as a watchdog, it also keeps the public informed
and tries to maintain the involvement of the citizens of Nevada.
The Public
The public is also an involved participant. After the release of the draft
Environmental Impact Statement, the proposed radiation standards, and
other issues the public is given a comment period.
Department of Transportation
The DOT will make certain waste carriers are compliant with the regulation
and guidelines promulgated for Yucca Mountain transportation. More can
be found about nuclear waste transportation in the
transportation section of this webpage.
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