Description
Book SynopsisProvides an engaging and authoritative account of the controversies and possibilities surrounding nuclear waste disposal in the US, with reference to other countries' approaches. Written in down-to-earth language, by an expert with key involvement in the Yucca Mountain project, this timely book will inform and stimulate discussion of nuclear issues.
Trade Review'… a very thorough overview of the nuclear waste issue. The book is level-headed, in-depth, and logical … Too Hot to Touch … [is] more about the fight between politics, science, stupidity and apathy (and bribery). But one of the problems with managing nuclear waste is the scope of the problem. [It] makes it clear that there are no good solutions to the problem of nuclear waste.' Media with Conscience (mwcnews.net)
'I encourage anyone remotely interested in the topic to buy a copy … this is a very affordable book. The authors have done a remarkable job of making the scientific information accessible to lay persons … Treatment is fair: you get the sense that the authors tried hard to present the facts and all sides of the story. This book would be ideal for using in a seminar class. Overall a fascinating read!' Pierrette Tremblay, Managing Editor, Elements
'… well-written, informative and substantive [with] many fun facts woven into the history … an excellent book and a nice technical review for anyone wanting to comprehend why the task of dealing with this trash has been so mired in obstacles.' Physics World
'This book offers a well-written, sober account of this sorry, continuing chapter in the development of the U.S. nuclear industry.' Natural Hazards Observer
'William and Rosemarie Alley weave a powerful and compelling narrative … The book is both enlightening and enjoyable to read … The relevance of hydrogeology to such a globally critical issue makes Too Hot to Touch a worthwhile and highly recommended read for all hydrogeologists, as well as for a much broader audience with an interest in radioactive waste disposal.' Leonard F. Konikow, Hydrogeology Journal
'This excellent book reviews the never-ending search for a safe, durable solution for storing or disposing of high-level nuclear waste … well documented … Highly recommended.' R. M. Ferguson, Choice
'… [a] masterly account by the former Chief of the Office of Groundwater of the US Geological Survey and his spouse. Bill and Rosemarie Alley's tale … documents how politics, litigation, and self-interest can interfere with a technical task of the highest importance.' Richard Jackson, The Geological Society of America
'… a fascinating and well-told tale spanning six decades from the immediate post-World War II era to the present day … It serves as a primer on the scientific issues and terminology that the reader requires to make sense of the issue …' E. M. Kwicklis, Geofluids
'… a thorough history of nuclear waste generation and disposal … both engaging and insightful. It is enriched by numerous anecdotes and biographical sketches that are frequently amusing or disconcerting … reasonably priced and should be of interest to a broad audience.' Alan E. Fryar, Groundwater
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; List of units; List of abbreviations; Introduction; Part I. The Problem: 1. The awakening; 2. Brainstorming; 3. The ocean as a dumping ground; 4. Radioactivity and atomic energy; 5. The Cold War legacy; 6. The peaceful atom and its wastes; 7. Recycling; 8. Dry cask storage; 9. Interim storage; 10. A can of worms; 11. WIPP; Part II. The Mountain: 12. The search for a geologic repository; 13. Nevada wins the lottery; 14. The Nevada test site; 15. Yucca mountain; 16. How long is long?; 17. Leaving almost no stone unturned; 18. Surprise; 19. Shake and bake; 20. The project gets into hot water; Part III. No Solution in Sight: 21. A new president, new policies; 22. Nuclear waste and our energy future; Appendix: discussion questions; References; Index.
