URS to lead on nuclear waste repository project in US

A team led by the international engineering, environmental consultancy and construction group URS Corporation has been awarded a major contract by the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Yucca Mountain project in Nevada. The team would manage a scope of work with a maximum value of approximately $2.5 billion, if all options are exercised. The performance based, "cost-plus award-fee" contract extends over a five-year base performance period, with an additional five-year option.

The URS-led team, USA Repository Services, includes the Washington division of URS, Shaw Environmental and Infrastructure Inc, and AREVA Federal Services Inc. USA Repository Services will be responsible for completing the detailed design of a nuclear waste repository, defending and updating a license application with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), operating Yucca Mountain facilities prior to the NRC's construction authorisation, and supporting construction management and operation of the repository.

• News release