Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for Tritium Supply and Recycling

Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for Tritium Supply and Recycling
                                                                 DOE/EIS-0161
                           Final Programmatic
                   Environmental Impact Statement
                  for Tritium Supply and Recycling
                           Executive Summary
                   United States Department of Energy
                      Office of Reconfiguration
                              October 1995
                       Department of Energy
                       Washington, DC 20585
                         October 19, 1995
     Dear Interested Party:
     The Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for Tritium
     Supply and Recycling has now been completed.  Tritium is an essential
     component of every warhead in the current and projected United States nuclear
     weapons stockpile.  Tritium decays at a rate of 5.5 percent per year and must
     be replaced periodically as long as the Nation relies on a nuclear deterrent.
     In accordance with the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, the Department
     of Energy is responsible for developing and maintaining the capability to
     produce nuclear materials such as tritium.  Currently, the Department does not
     have the capability to produce tritium in the required amounts.
     The Tritium Supply and Recycling PEIS evaluates the siting, construction, and
     operation of tritium supply technology alternatives and recycling facilities
     at each of five candidate sites.  The PEIS also evaluates the use of a
     commercial reactor for producing tritium.
     On October 10, 1995, the Department announced its preferred alternative, a
     dual-track strategy under which the Department would begin work on two
     promising production options:  use of an existing commercial light water
     reactor and construction of a linear accelerator.  The Savannah River Site in
     South Carolina has been identified as the preferred site for an accelerator,
     should one be constructed.  Details on this preferred alternative can be found
     in the Executive Summary and in section 3.7 of Volume I of the PEIS.  A Record
     of Decision will follow in late November.
     The Department of Energy appreciates your continued participation in this
     Program.
                                             Sincerely,
                                             Stephen M. Sohinki, Director
                                             Office of Reconfiguration
NEWSLETTER
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)
