Alert

Due to a lapse in appropriations, the NRC has ceased normal operations. However, excepted and exempted activities necessary to maintain critical health and safety functions—as well as essential progress on designated critical activities, including those specified in Executive Order 14300—will continue, consistent with the OMB-Approved NRC Lapse Plan.

Geological repository

An excavated, underground facility that is designed, constructed, and operated for safe and secure permanent disposal of HLW. A geological repository uses an engineered barrier system and a portion of the site’s natural geology, hydrology, and geochemical systems to isolate the radioactivity of the waste. For further detail, see High-Level Waste Disposal.

Page Last Reviewed/Updated Wednesday, February 15, 2023