Nuclear Power Reactors in the United States

The sudden surge toward nuclear power throughout the world has given rise to some serious questions about its potential effect on many facets of our complex civilization. The social, economic, military, and geopolitical implications are staggering and far beyond the comprehension of most of us. Of immediate and practical concern to all, however, is the impact of nuclear power on our local environment, and specifically on the quality of air and water resources. It is prudent, therefore, to evaluate the probable effects of routine discharges from nuclear power plants on the atmosphere and on natural waters and to assess the possible consequences of a serious accidental discharge of radioactivity. The past, present, and probable future growth of commercial nuclear power in the U.S. is shown at the right. It is estimated that by 1980 the installed nuclear capacity will be about 100,000 electric megawatts [MW( e ) 1 or about 37 percent of the then total electric capacity. By the turn of the century, more than half of the capacity will probably be nuclear. In order to weigh the probable and potential impact of commercial nuclear power on the environment, let us consider the major types of nuclear reactors and the nature of their waste products. Almost all large commercial nuclear power reactors in the United Estimated Future Growth of Commercial Nuclear Power