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

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Response<br />

250<br />

GEOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS<br />

This Statement is intended to point out that, over long time periods, slow or low-rate<br />

processes could have effects that are not obvious over a short time period, and should be<br />

considered.<br />

Draft p. 3.1.49<br />

Issue<br />

The chemical nature <strong>of</strong> any aquifers around a repository should be briefly discussed,<br />

including oxidation-reduction considerations. (113-EPA)<br />

Response<br />

Aquifers are discussed from a generic standpoint and without any specific location<br />

specified. The chemistry <strong>of</strong> the ground-water is not specified either, because the chemical<br />

nature <strong>of</strong> the water will vary depending on the location <strong>of</strong> the site. The solubility and<br />

sorption effects on the various ions and elements will also depend on the aquifer material<br />

characteristics as well as the waste form. Because <strong>of</strong> the-site specific nature <strong>of</strong> the<br />

ground-water chemistry and the effects that even small differences in water chemistry could<br />

have, this question can be better addressed when water analyses for a particular setting are<br />

available.<br />

Draft p. 3.1.51<br />

Issue<br />

The statements that some issues may not be resolved with the necessary degree <strong>of</strong> cer-<br />

tainty seems to conflict with the very next sentence, which states that uncertainties can<br />

be reduced to acceptable levels. (208-NRC)<br />

Response<br />

The intent is that more research may be required to reduce the degree <strong>of</strong> uncertainty<br />

to acceptable levels.<br />

Draft p. 3.1.51<br />

Issue<br />

One commenter was concerned about the following statement: "...acceptability criteria<br />

may need to be adapted or modified, or even developed if unexpected conditions are met."<br />

It is important that the implication not be left that justification for a particular site<br />

can be an ex post facto exercise not based on scientific and technical grounds. The ratio-<br />

nale and bases for criteria development and application need to be elaborated., (154)

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