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

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Draft p. 3.5.16<br />

Issue<br />

344<br />

ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL CONCEPTS<br />

The reference to measurements in deep artesian wells in paragraph 3 seems inconsistent<br />

with the concept <strong>of</strong> a floating freshwater lens, because conditions in a confined or<br />

artesian aquifer might not necessarily reflect the freshwater/saltwater ratio. Influences<br />

other than differences in density can be effective in confined aquifers. (218-DOI)<br />

Response<br />

The term "artesian" should be deleted from the referenced sentence. The commenter cor-<br />

rectly notes that a hydrologic system characterized by a freshwater lens floating or deep<br />

saline water would not support artesian aquifers.<br />

Draft p. 3.5.17<br />

Issue<br />

Second paragraph: "Of lesser significance are local alluvial (and other sedimentary)<br />

deposits..."<br />

This is true if "significance" refers to abundance. However, in terms <strong>of</strong> importance<br />

the sedimentary deposits are <strong>of</strong> great significance because, with the lava flows, they pro-<br />

vide the, dhteiable units for defining tectonic history and predicting future activity. (154)<br />

Response?<br />

The intent in the draft Statement was to discuss significance in reference to aquifers.<br />

It is acknowledged that .alluvial (and other sedimentary) deposits would be <strong>of</strong> importance in<br />

characterizing the geologic history <strong>of</strong> the island.<br />

Draft p. 3.5.18<br />

Issue<br />

The discussion <strong>of</strong> sorptive phenomenon is not sufficiently covered. A comparison <strong>of</strong> the<br />

sorptive properties associated with island disposal with those associated with conventional<br />

geologic disposal should be presented, to determine if the multibarrier approach has been<br />

effectively utilized. (.08-NRO)<br />

Response<br />

Data on the comparative sorption properties associated with the island disposal option<br />

compared to mined repository disposal are not presently available. However, some

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