JNFL increases capacity of waste store

Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd (JNFL) has been given approval to increase the amount of solid high-level radioactive waste stored at its nuclear waste storage and disposal plant in Rokkasho. Currently, JNFL is permitted to store up to 1200 xxxx of solid waste in sealed 200-litre drums or pallet boxes prior to their later disposal. The drums are stacked three-high, while the pallet boxes are stacked two-high. JNFL's plan to change the way in which the containers are stored, so that drums can be stacked up to four-high and pallet boxes up to three high, has been approved. This, the company said, will better utilise the storage space, which measures some 37 metres by 13 metres, allowing up to 2000 xxxx of waste to be stored.