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

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Draft Section 3.5<br />

Issue<br />

340<br />

ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL CONCEPTS<br />

This concept in a way is not an alternative to geologic disposal but simply geologic<br />

disposal in a specific place. (154)<br />

Response<br />

It is recognized that island repositories would be mined repositories sited at island<br />

locations. However, the unique hydrologic and geologic settings <strong>of</strong> islands and the ocean<br />

transportation requirements are a sufficient departure from the continentally located mined<br />

repositories to warrent separate consideration <strong>of</strong> the concept. The differences between the<br />

two concepts are clarified in Section 6.1.3.3, System and Facilities Description, and in<br />

Section 6.1.3.3, Technical Issues, <strong>of</strong> the final Statement.<br />

Draft Section 3.5<br />

Issue<br />

Island Disposal--Too costly, sea transportation, security system, how will the island<br />

be protected by our military men? What will be the cost to the taxpayers? (88, 121)<br />

Response<br />

These comments are addressed in the comparative analysis in Section 6.2 <strong>of</strong> the final<br />

Statement. This statement also points out that although detailed cost estimates for con-<br />

struction, operation, and decommissioning have not been made, it is presently estimated that<br />

these costs would be at least double those for a continental mined repository (see Sec-<br />

tion 6.1.3.6 <strong>of</strong> final Statement).<br />

Draft Section 3.5<br />

Issue<br />

The discussion in Section 3.5 indicates that two options for Island disposal are being<br />

seriously considered. One option is disposal in oceanic islands for which relatively long<br />

sea voyages for transporting the radioactive wastes will be necessary. The other option is<br />

disposal in continental islands. For this option, the transport time at sea is small with<br />

the possibility <strong>of</strong> using a ferry-type transport system; facilities at the embarkation and<br />

receiving port could be simplified. The two options should continue to be treated sepa-<br />

rately and additional information concerning environmental impacts and accident risks be<br />

developed for both options. It is important to continue to explore both options with the<br />

ultimate choice being left to a risk benefit analysis after more complete imformation is<br />

developed. (208-NRC)

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