spent fuel pool management

Spent fuel pool management involves safely storing used nuclear reactor fuel in specially designed pools of water. The water cools the fuel, preventing overheating and radiation release, while also shielding radiation for workers and the environment. These pools are monitored continuously for radiation levels, water quality, and temperature. As fuel becomes less radioactive over time, it remains in the pool until it can be transferred to dry storage or a permanent repository. Proper management ensures safety, controls contamination risk, and maintains accessibility for handling and inspection of the spent fuel.