Spent-Fuel Test - Climax: An Evaluation of the Technical Feasibility of Geologic Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel in Granite

This summary volume outlines results that are covered in more detail in the final report of the Spent-Fuel Test-Climax project. The project was conducted between 1978 and 1983 in the granite Climax stock at the Nevada Test Site. Results indicate that spent fuel can be safely stored for periods of years in this host medium and that nuclear waste so emplaced can be safely retrieved. We also evaluated the effects of heat and radiation (alone and in combination) on emplacement canisters and the surrounding rock mass. Storage of the spent fuel affected the surrounding rock mass in measurable ways, but did not threaten the stability or safety of the facility at any time.