This document provides a white paper detailing required changes to the DOE Atlas railcar conceptual cradle attachment components and Phase 1 conceptual cradle design due to the addition of the HI-STAR 190 SL and XL casks to the project. 

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing for future large-scale transport of spent 
nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, which are collectively defined as High-Level Radioactive 
Material (HLRM) by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). A part of this preparation includes 
designing railcars to be used for the transport of HLRM. 
 

The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing for future large-scale transport of spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste, which are collectively defined as High-Level Radioactive Material (HLRM) by the Association of American Railroads (AAR). A part of this preparation includes designing railcars to be used for the transport of HLRM.
 

In preparation of an integrated nuclear waste management program, the United States
Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing for future large-scale transport of spent nuclear fuel
(SNF), high-level radioactive waste (HLW), and Greater-Than-Class-C (GTCC) waste. A part of
this preparation includes developing a fleet of railcars to be used for the transport of High-Level
Radioactive Material (HLRM) and GTCC waste.

In 2019, the NWMO commissioned Maawandoon Inc to lead Indigenous Dialogue session to support NWMO’s transportation planning for the long-term care of Canada’s used nuclear fuel. This research built upon and complemented public attitude research carried out in 2017 and 2018. The research methodology consisted of 7 Indigenous dialogue sessions and attendance at 3 Indigenous Annual General Assemblies (AGA)/meetings with dialogue components.

In 2002, the federal government passed a law to create the Nuclear Waste Management Organization, also known by its initials NWMO. The Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) was established by Ontario Power Generation Inc., Hydro-Québec and New Brunswick Power Corporation in accordance with the Nuclear Fuel Waste Act (NFWA) to assume responsibility for the long-term management of Canada’s used nuclear fuel. More specifically, the NWMO’s initial objective was to recommend a long-term approach for managing used nuclear fuel produced by Canada’s electricity generators.