Explore the 5 largest nuclear cemeteries in the world, from Yucca Mountain in the USA to Majak in Russia. Discover how these facilities manage radioactive waste.
Nuclear energy, since its discovery, has transformed the energy and military industries around the world. However, along with its benefits in terms of clean energy production, it has brought with it one of the greatest environmental and public health challenges: the management of radioactive waste. This waste, which can take thousands of years to decompose, requires specialized infrastructure for its storage . So-called “nuclear cemeteries” are facilities designed to contain this waste safely, but they are not without dangers .
In this article, we will look at the five largest nuclear waste sites in the world and analyze how dangerous they are , not only to nearby communities, but also to the environment in the long term.
Hanford Complex (United States)
Located in Washington State, the Hanford Complex is considered the largest and most dangerous nuclear waste storage site in the United States. This complex, which was essential for the production of plutonium used in the Nagasaki atomic bomb, stores more than 200,000 cubic meters of radioactive waste in 177 underground tanks. These tanks, which are already several decades old, have suffered numerous leaks , releasing radioactive materials into the environment.
The main risk from the Hanford Complex is the potential for contamination of the Columbia River , a vital source of water for the region. Despite efforts by the U.S. government to contain the contamination, leaks have been recurrent , raising concerns about the long-term effects on the health of nearby residents and the local ecosystem.
Kara Sea (Russia)
The Kara Sea, located in northern Russia, is one of the most disturbing nuclear graveyards in the world, and its history is linked to the nuclear submarines of the former Soviet Union. For decades, decommissioned submarines were sunk in these cold waters , along with hundreds of containers of radioactive waste.
The danger here lies in the progressive erosion of these submarines and containers. As the metal deteriorates over time, radioactive materials will begin to leak into the Arctic Ocean, potentially triggering an unprecedented environmental catastrophe . According to estimates, this site contains more radiation than was released by the Hiroshima bomb, and its impact could affect key shipping routes and marine life.
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) (United States)
Located in New Mexico, the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is one of the most advanced facilities for deep geological storage of high-level radioactive waste. The WIPP is designed to store nuclear waste for thousands of years , using a combination of layers of salt and soil that would, in theory, prevent the release of radiation to the surface.
Despite its robust design, the plant has experienced accidents in the past, including an incident in 2014 when a waste barrel ruptured , releasing radioactive particles. Although authorities managed to contain the situation, the incident highlighted that even the most advanced storage facilities are not without risks. The main concern is that, over time, the waste stored here could affect the surrounding environment if containment measures fail.
The Atlantic Trench (Europe)
Just 200 kilometres off the Spanish coast, the Atlantic Trench is an underwater cemetery that houses more than 140,000 tonnes of nuclear waste. This waste comes from several European countries, including the United Kingdom, France and Germany, and was dumped on the seabed in the 1970s and 1980s.
Although the waste is at a depth of more than 4,000 metres, the risk it poses over time is considerable . The corroded containers could release radioactive material, seriously affecting marine life and possibly entering the food chain . The lack of constant monitoring in this area is worrying, especially for local fishing communities that rely on the ocean.
El Cabril (Spain)
El Cabril is the only nuclear waste site in Spain , located in the province of Córdoba. This facility is designed to house low- and medium-level waste generated by the country’s nuclear power plants. Although relatively small compared to other nuclear waste sites, El Cabril is expected to reach full capacity around 2030.
The risk at El Cabril is moderate, given that the waste stored is of lower activity compared to other sites, but the infrastructure remains vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes. Concrete barriers are designed to withstand such events, but experts stress the importance of ongoing monitoring to ensure there are no leaks.
Nuclear cemeteries and other curiosities
The impact of nuclear waste and its management over time reminds us of the importance of understanding the consequences of this powerful technology. From nuclear graveyards to the 6 worst nuclear accidents in history , nuclear energy has left a significant mark. Learning more about these events is not only fascinating, but also crucial to understanding the associated risks.
On the other hand, the way these plants work raises many questions. If you’ve ever wondered how a nuclear power plant works , or if it’s even true that a cockroach could survive a nuclear attack , these topics hold surprising secrets that are worth discovering.
How long is nuclear waste radioactive?
The length of time that nuclear waste remains radioactive varies depending on its type, but can last from hundreds to thousands of years. High-level waste can be hazardous for more than 10,000 years.