Nuclear Waste Management Challenges

The video explores the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station, its decommissioning process, and the challenges of managing spent nuclear fuel. It highlights the national issue of nuclear waste storage, the federal government's role, and the impact on the local community. Despite the plant's closure, the waste remains a concern for nearby residents.

What is a significant challenge faced by the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station?

• Generating enough electricity

• Managing spent nuclear fuel

• Hiring qualified staff

• Maintaining the plant's infrastructure

What was the primary reason for the shutdown of the San Onofre plant?

• Government regulations

• Lack of funding

• A natural disaster

• A leak in a steam generator

How does spent nuclear fuel become more radioactive?

• After spending time in a nuclear reactor

• Due to chemical reactions with air

• By being submerged in water

• Through exposure to sunlight

What is the half-life of plutonium-239?

• 24,000 years

• 1,000 years

• 100 years

• 30 years

What was the original plan for dealing with nuclear waste in the U.S.?

• Recycling it into new fuel

• Burying it underground

• Dumping it in the ocean

• Burning it in incinerators

Which site was chosen for nuclear waste storage but faced political opposition?

• Rocky Mountains

• Mount St. Helens

• Grand Canyon

• Yucca Mountain

What percentage of America's electricity is produced by nuclear plants?

• 20%

• 10%

• 50%

• 5%

What is one proposed solution for the storage of nuclear waste?

• Exporting waste to other countries

• Restarting Yucca Mountain

• Building more nuclear plants

• Using waste as fertilizer

How do local residents feel about living near the San Onofre plant?

• They are actively protesting

• They are completely unaware of it

• They are indifferent

• They are concerned but continue their daily lives

What is one method used to deter seagulls from the dry storage area?

• Loudspeakers playing music

• Plastic coyotes

• Electric fences

• Bright lights