Enrichment leaves behind depleted uranium, and the nuclear age has left behind facilities that must be dismantled. Both topics are long-term questions of stewardship, regulation and funding.
This section reviews stockpiles and uses of depleted uranium, along with decommissioning and plutonium disposition issues.
DU & decom.: all pages in this section
DU & decom.
Depleted Uranium: A By-Product of Enrichment
Depleted uranium is the by-product of enrichment, with less U-235 than natural uranium. See its properties, uses, regulation and health questions.
DU & decom.
Depleted Uranium Inventories and Stockpiles
Where depleted uranium hexafluoride is stored, how DOE deconversion plants at Paducah and Portsmouth work, and what disposal options have been studied.
DU & decom.
Depleted Uranium Weapons in the 2003 Iraq War: Information and Policy Questions
What is publicly documented on depleted uranium munitions in Iraq in 1991 and 2003: UNEP work, WHO position, UN General Assembly resolutions, open questions.
DU & decom.
Enrichment and Fuel Fabrication: Decommissioning Issues in Europe
How Europe dismantles old uranium enrichment and fuel plants: the Georges Besse I case in France, regulators, timelines, costs and open issues.
DU & decom.
Plutonium Disposition: The MOX Fuel Fabrication Project at Savannah River
History of the US MOX Fuel Fabrication Facility at Savannah River, the US-Russia plutonium deal, the 2018 termination and dilute and dispose.
DU & decom.
Enrichment Plants in the United States: History and Current Issues
From Oak Ridge, Paducah and Portsmouth diffusion plants to Urenco USA and Centrus HALEU work at Piketon: history, licensing and cleanup of US enrichment.
DU & decom.
Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities in the USA: Status and Funding
How the NRC regulates decommissioning of US nuclear facilities: DECON and SAFSTOR, the 60-year limit, funding assurance, DOE legacy sites and Yankee examples.