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

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Issue<br />

268<br />

GEOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS<br />

It will take at least fifty years to really assess the effects on a geologic medium,<br />

further expansion <strong>of</strong> a site already in operation would be just asking for trouble. (164,<br />

187)<br />

Response<br />

Design <strong>of</strong> a repository will include the best available information from laboratory<br />

studies, field observations, and analytical and numerical solutions. After construction <strong>of</strong><br />

a repository begins, it will be monitored to obtain information on its behavior with time.<br />

Issue<br />

The plugging and sealing <strong>of</strong> shafts, tunnels, and boreholes should be discussed more<br />

extensively. (219)<br />

Response<br />

The subjects <strong>of</strong> plugging and sealing shafts, tunnels, and boreholes are discussed in<br />

detail in an Office <strong>of</strong> Nuclear <strong>Waste</strong> Isolation (ONWI) document (ONWI 1979).<br />

Issue<br />

It was pointed out that programs on the radiation effects <strong>of</strong> other minerals (than rock<br />

salt) should be initiated and/or expanded. (25)<br />

Response<br />

The effects <strong>of</strong> irradiation on inorganic materials, including many minerals, have been<br />

known for many years and are generally small, particulary with respect to mechanical proper-<br />

ties. Although the effects on candidate host rocks are expected to be <strong>of</strong> only secondary<br />

concern, a program to investigate such effects has been underway for several years. Initial<br />

emphasis was on rock salt but other materials are included, e.g., granite and basalt. As<br />

considerable data has been accumulated on rock salt, the program emphasis is now shifting<br />

to the latter materials. Also, work involving candidate waste forms, canister materials,<br />

etc., and a variety <strong>of</strong> ground waters in the presence <strong>of</strong> radiation has been underway for some<br />

time. The effects <strong>of</strong> radiation are considered in screening candidate materials. Since<br />

interactions among materials in the presence <strong>of</strong> radiation is strongly dependent on waste<br />

package design, choice <strong>of</strong> materials, and the nature <strong>of</strong> the host rock, these tests will<br />

increase as site specific package designs become better defined.<br />

Documents addressing radioactive waste-induced effects include:<br />

* ERDA 76-43, Alternatives for Managing <strong>Waste</strong>s from Reactors and Post Fission Opera-<br />

tions in the LWR Fuel Cycle, 1976.

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