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

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345<br />

ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL CONCEPTS<br />

information on the absorption properties <strong>of</strong> deep sea sediments is contained in Sec-<br />

tion 3.6.3.2 <strong>of</strong> the draft Statement <strong>of</strong> the subseabed geologic disposal alternative.<br />

Draft p. 3.5.19<br />

Issue<br />

Figures 3.5.9 and 3.5.10: "Isolation" in the Figure titles should be "Containment"<br />

(our terminology). (154)<br />

Response<br />

Please refer to the Glossary, Chapter 8.0 <strong>of</strong> the final Statement.<br />

Draft p. 3.5.19<br />

Issue<br />

It should be noted that the dispersion and diffusion may be very active in this type<br />

<strong>of</strong> system, especially in combination with a natural zone <strong>of</strong> dispersion along the saltwater/<br />

freshwater interface. (208-NRC)<br />

Response<br />

A study <strong>of</strong> the mechanisms <strong>of</strong> dispersion and diffusion for radioactive species within<br />

the geohydrologic setting <strong>of</strong> island repositories would be a necessary part <strong>of</strong> a development<br />

program for this concept. It is likely that emphasis would be placed on the freshwater/<br />

saltwater interface and the sorption and transport characteristics <strong>of</strong> the boundary region.<br />

The effects <strong>of</strong> a moving interface would also be considered.<br />

Draft p. 3.5.20<br />

Issue<br />

be added:<br />

Two disadvantages <strong>of</strong> the island concept at the bottom <strong>of</strong> the page the following should<br />

* Because <strong>of</strong> ocean cover and limited stratigraphy, the tectonic activity will be<br />

difficult to document with adequate assurance <strong>of</strong> safety relative to faults and<br />

earthquakes.<br />

Fifth paragraph: -"The accuracy <strong>of</strong> geological information at actual data points (drill<br />

holes, surface exposure, underground workings) will be good. However, accuracy <strong>of</strong> the spa-<br />

tial extrapolation will depend upon the density <strong>of</strong> available data in space and time, the<br />

complexity <strong>of</strong> the geology, and the knowledge and experience <strong>of</strong> the scientist performing the<br />

work. Similar comments apply to oceanographic data with an additional proviso that many

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