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

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270<br />

GEOLOGIC CONSIDERATIONS<br />

the Nevada Test Site, but also in granite, shale (Gas Buggy), and salt. This experience<br />

bears directly upon the proposed long-term storage <strong>of</strong> vitrified high level waste, and should<br />

be discussed. (208-NRC)<br />

Response<br />

A discussion regarding the investigation <strong>of</strong> underground nuclear tests relative to the<br />

migration <strong>of</strong> radionuclides can be found in a separate report (Ramspott 1978).<br />

Y/OWI/TM 36/21<br />

Issue<br />

This document addresses only three host rock media - granite, basalt and shale. No<br />

basis for the apparent conclusion that groundwater movement in salt is negligible has been<br />

presented in either GEIS or in TM-36. Note also that the permeabilities <strong>of</strong> granite and<br />

basalt presented in the GEIS (Table 3.1.1, p. 3.1.9) are nil and therefore the repositories<br />

in granite and basalt could presumably be located at depths significantly less than salt<br />

and shale. (208-NRC)<br />

Response<br />

Appendix B <strong>of</strong> the final Statement (and draft Section 3.1.1) point out that existence<br />

<strong>of</strong> salt formations that are estimated to be hundreds <strong>of</strong> millions <strong>of</strong> years old testifies to<br />

their stability and their isolation from water. The statement regarding permeabilities <strong>of</strong><br />

granite and basalt being nil has been modified (see final Appendix B).

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