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

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Response<br />

257<br />

GEOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS<br />

Such discussions appear in Sections 5.1.2 and 5.2, Appendix B.4, and Appendix L <strong>of</strong> the<br />

final Statement.<br />

Draft p. 3.1.238<br />

Issue<br />

There is a fundamental problem in preparing the repository which is not brought out in<br />

the statement. The inability to test non-destructively means that the boreholes drilled to<br />

characterize the repositoryarea make it less suitable for a repository. (35)<br />

Response<br />

Tests at a candidate repository site should not proceed to such a degree that they<br />

would compromise the integrity <strong>of</strong> the site. Geophysical and borehole techniques are<br />

generally available to analyze geologic formations. Non-destructive sonic and a variety <strong>of</strong><br />

other testing methods can also be utilized.as reasonably effictive tools to locate voids,<br />

fractures or even previously undetected drill holes. The need for additional research and<br />

development to improve and provide new methods for determining geologic and hydrologic<br />

properties is recognized in Section 5.2 <strong>of</strong> the final statement.<br />

Draft p. 3.1.238<br />

Issue<br />

One commenter felt it should be pointed out here that satisfactory shaft and tunnel<br />

sealing techniques have not been developed. (218-DOI)<br />

Response<br />

Shaft and tunnel sealing is an important part <strong>of</strong> the total Repository Sealing Program.<br />

Most <strong>of</strong> the field work on the RSP has been done on boreholes but much <strong>of</strong> that work will have<br />

application in sealing shafts and tunnels. Work specific to shafts and tunnels will com-<br />

mence in FY-81.<br />

Draft p. 3.1.238-239<br />

Issue<br />

There has already been considerable study <strong>of</strong> thermal effects which leads one to<br />

believe that subsidence can be calculated. (35)

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