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Putting a focus on treating less dangerous, low-level waste faster would be part of a significant retreat in the mission, in Mr. Brunson’s view.

“They couldn’t do that so they are treating low-level waste. They don’t have a comprehensive plan, so they are making up these interim goals.”

Operators of fusion plants will need to handle small amounts of tritium—a short-lived radioactive isotope of hydrogen—and safely dispose of low-level waste consisting of reactor parts made radioactive by fusion reactions.

Both contained low-level waste such as those produced through medical use, and no radioactive release has been reported, but Grossi said the incidents should serve as a warning.

“You could have a situation where you have low-level waste, a release of radioactive material. What we have to ensure is that these things don’t happen.”