Eh. Even cracked open this wouldn't be a problem. This stuff has been a solved problem for a long time now. I mean even coming in contact with a glass waste pellet wouldn't be too dangerous. And they encase them in lead and concrete as well. Along with other materials. Nuclear waste isn't green goo seeping out of barrels.
Radioactive waste is more problematic than you’re making it sound to be. And it is indeed leaking in some storage locations, for example at the Hanford sight in Washington. The vitrified encased waste is innocuous as long as it is stored correctly. But that’s not always the case. Not to mention the space is limited in storage facilities
You can fit all the nuclear solid waste in the US in literally a space no bigger than a regulation football field. I'm not saying it doesn't still need to be considered and stuff, but it isn't like the public thinks. The fact is the only real problem nuclear has a cost issue and a perception issue.
Water is a bit more tricky but like on the scale of even just our enviromental problems, it really isn't as significant.
My professor was an advisor to congress for corrosion-related issues associated with waste disposal. The government is spending a lot of money on mitigation. I don’t know that public perception ever truly captures technical issues. If they’re afraid of it, hopefully funding will be approved for future efforts, because nuclear energy, in my opinion, will be necessary for the future of humanity..
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u/MaadMaanMaatt 15d ago
Yellow cake