Management of Commercially Generated Radioactive Waste - U.S. ...

Issues
6
WASTE PROGRAM
Several commenters pointed out that development of a geologic repository should place
emphasis on:
* Demonstrating one repository medium while studying others because technology
does exist to initiate an environmentally acceptable waste management program.
(45, 154)
* Proceeding with investigations into a number of sites in a variety of media in
Response
different geographic regions either to ensure .that the program is conducted in a
technically conservative manner or to encourage timely implementation of a waste
management program. (21, 28, 128, 166, 180)
In his February 12, 1980 statement on radioactive waste management and disposal, the
President called for the qualification of a number of alternative sites in a variety of
media in different geographic regions.
Issues
Several commenters stated that the waste management program should be concerned about
using resources (eg. chromium, copper and nickel) largely imported at this time because of
potential economic or political pressures that could be brought to bear. (2, 30, 144)
Other commenters noted that the isolation strategy chosen should assure protection of valu-
able/limited natural resources (eg. salt domes which may contain gas, oil, sulfer, potash
in addition to salt). (22, 139, 218-001)
Response
In performing the environmental analysis of the total systems involved in waste dis-
posal strategies, one element analyzed is the resources committed, such as land, water and
materials. Part of the decision-making process required of agencies by the National Envi-
ronmental Policy Act is a consideration of significant effects on natural resources, renew-
able and nonrenewable, including any mitigation measures which might be taken to lessen
adverse impacts. This Statement provides such analysis of effects on resources in a generic
sense; site or (program) specific statements would provide more detailed information.
One of the functions of a generic environmental impact statement is to indicate resource
requirements for each alternative strategy under consideration. Should the selected program
require that waste be placed in stainless steel canisters for disposal, consideration would
be given in future environmental statements to this area of concern. Another of the functions
of a generic environmental impact statement is to bring matters of key resource commitment to