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346<br />

ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL CONCEPTS<br />

oceanographic phenomena are constantly varying in time, thus requiring more intensive data<br />

collection." These statements are <strong>of</strong> such fundamental importance, that they should not wait<br />

for expression in this section. Rather, they should be expressed right up front in the Sum-<br />

mary or Background sections together with other similar truisms <strong>of</strong> geology. (154)<br />

Response<br />

The commenter addresses uncertainties that are currently applicable to the island dis-<br />

posal concept. Section 6.2 <strong>of</strong> the final Statement discusses the influence <strong>of</strong> uncertainty<br />

on the selection <strong>of</strong> preferred alternatives for continued development and presents a compara-<br />

tive assessment <strong>of</strong> this concept.<br />

Draft p. 3.5.20<br />

Issue<br />

The disadvantages <strong>of</strong> island sites should include the sociological objection to the use<br />

<strong>of</strong> continental islands and concern for volcanism on oceanic islands. At least in the U.S.<br />

context, continental islands are cherished by the environmentalists and proposals to use<br />

them as a nuclear "dumping ground" could be expected to raise a monumental furror. Simi-<br />

larly, although theory would suggest that some islands <strong>of</strong> volcanic origin will remain inac-<br />

tive for geologic time spans, the critics <strong>of</strong> nuclear power and the media would have a field<br />

day decrying the 'faulted logic' <strong>of</strong> the nuclear advocates. Information should be presented<br />

to show how islands <strong>of</strong> volcanic origin will be proven to be inactive. (58)<br />

Response<br />

Section 6.1.3.4 <strong>of</strong> the final Statement addresses the impacts to natural system that<br />

might be expected if the island repository concept were to be used. Section 6.2 presents a<br />

comparative assessment <strong>of</strong> alternative concepts and the mined repository. This assessment<br />

includes consideration <strong>of</strong> the differences in impacts between alternatives. The volcanic<br />

inactivity for oceanic islands would be based on geologic data on the time <strong>of</strong> the most<br />

recent eruption. As shown in Figure 3.5.7 <strong>of</strong> the final draft Statement, the age <strong>of</strong> the<br />

oceanic islands and time since the last erutpion can be shown in many instances to increase<br />

with distance from a hot spot or mid-oceanic ridge.<br />

Draft p. 3.5.21<br />

Issue<br />

Another disadvantage should be mentioned. Islands are <strong>of</strong>ten more associated with<br />

resources and more subject to faulting, seismicity, volcanism, erosion, effects <strong>of</strong> sea<br />

level changes, extreme storms, and tsunamis. (218-DOI)

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