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

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Response<br />

341<br />

ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL CONCEPTS<br />

The differences between oceanic and continental islands do not justify a totally sepa-<br />

rate treatment at the current stage <strong>of</strong> development for this concept.<br />

Draft Section 3.5<br />

Issue<br />

The ability to dewater a site is an extremely important site characteristic. Dewater-<br />

ing with the attendant equipment may impose such an economic burden that an other-wise suit-<br />

able site may be ultimately rejected. The dewatering problem may, in the end, result in the<br />

rejection <strong>of</strong> the island arc and oceanic island locations. In addition, the retrievability<br />

<strong>of</strong> waste placed in any island watery environment, particularly salt water, is questionable<br />

considering the effects <strong>of</strong> corrosion on dewatering equipment. (208-NRC)<br />

Response<br />

One <strong>of</strong> the criteria for selection <strong>of</strong> a site would be for a host rock <strong>of</strong> low permea-<br />

bility. Thus, major dewatering problems during construction would be unlikely to occur at a<br />

site suitable as a repository location.<br />

Draft Section 3.5.1<br />

Issue<br />

While this option approaches in effectiveness some technological advantages <strong>of</strong> the con-<br />

ventional geologic option, it <strong>of</strong>fers additionally an international approach that is attractive.<br />

However, detailed studies <strong>of</strong> this option have not been made, and it is now merely a<br />

concept lacking a strong consensus for adoption. (124)<br />

Response<br />

As noted in Section 6.1.3.1 <strong>of</strong> the final Statement the DOE does not currently have a<br />

program to actively investigate the concept. However, the DOE believes that information<br />

presented in the final Statement provides a sufficient basis for assessment <strong>of</strong> the attri-<br />

butes and disadvantages <strong>of</strong> alternatives and mined repository. Section 6.2 <strong>of</strong> the final<br />

Statement presents a comparative assessment <strong>of</strong> the disposal technologies.<br />

Draft p. 3.5.1<br />

Issue<br />

The "possible advantageous hydrogeological" features do not stand out in reading<br />

Section 3.5. (124)

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