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

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Draft Appendix P<br />

Issue<br />

320<br />

ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL CONCEPTS<br />

Appendix P represents, on the whole, original aDd innovative work on the promising con-<br />

cept <strong>of</strong> geologic emplacement following chemical resynthesis. However, the USGS has found<br />

numerous misspellings, incorrect formulas, etc. and suggest setting up a consultant group<br />

from universities and the USGS to review the concept and go over the CWMS sections on this<br />

approach thoroughly for accuracy and completeness. (218-D01)<br />

Response<br />

The DOE recognizes the potential <strong>of</strong> chemical resynthesis and similar concepts that uti-<br />

lize analogs <strong>of</strong> naturally occurring minerals. It is supporting research on the concepts at<br />

DOE laboratories, several universities and the USGS. Their research will provide the accu-<br />

racy and completeness the commenter seeks. The description in the draft Statement is only<br />

an overview <strong>of</strong> a concept that is still in the very early stages <strong>of</strong> development.<br />

Draft pp. 1.24, 3.1.33, 3.1.34, 3.3.1<br />

Issue<br />

Very Deep Hole<br />

Several commenters noted that in the summary section <strong>of</strong> the deep hole concept and in<br />

the discussion <strong>of</strong> the deep hole and mined repository concepts, the question <strong>of</strong> an appropri-<br />

ate disposal depth is continually alluded to but never directly addressed. (9, 36, 40, 121)<br />

One commenter also expressed concern that too many holes would be required for the<br />

deep hole concept. (88, 121)<br />

Response<br />

Discussion <strong>of</strong> "How deep is deep enough?" is provided in Section 6.1.1.1 <strong>of</strong> the final<br />

Statement. Section 6.1.1.2 <strong>of</strong> the final Statement discusses the number <strong>of</strong> holes which<br />

would be required. The environmental impact <strong>of</strong> constructing the very deep hole is pre-<br />

sented in final Section 6.1.1.6 and a comparison <strong>of</strong> this very deep hole concept with the<br />

other alternatives is presented in Section 6.2.<br />

Draft pp. 1.24, and 3.3.1<br />

Issue<br />

The question "How deep is deep enough?" (referring to the very deep hole and rock melt<br />

concepts) presents many unanswered questions. No geologist, geophysist or hydrologist can

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