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

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Response<br />

350<br />

ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL CONCEPTS<br />

The primary area <strong>of</strong> uncertainty and difference between island disposal and continental<br />

geologic disposal is the geohydrology <strong>of</strong> the island. In addition, the tectonics <strong>of</strong> oceanic<br />

islands or island arcs would be different from continental locations. The rock mechanics,<br />

waste container, waste form aspects, etc., however, would be expected to be very similar to<br />

those for conventional mined disposal in crystalline rocks.<br />

Draft p. 3.5.29<br />

Issue<br />

Section 3.5.6.3 identifies research and development areas that need to be explored in<br />

order to resolve uncertainties in island disposal. One area is the level <strong>of</strong> risk associated<br />

with extended sea transportation paths. Since the complexity <strong>of</strong> port facilities varies with<br />

the island disposal option being considered, the level <strong>of</strong> risk, both in terms <strong>of</strong> routine<br />

occupational exposure and exposures due to accidents, should also be considered as an area<br />

needing development. (208-NRC)<br />

Response<br />

Section 6.1.3.4 in the final Statement includes consideration <strong>of</strong> port facilities.<br />

Also, reference is made to the subseabed alternative (Section 6.1.4 <strong>of</strong> the final Statement)<br />

for additional discussion <strong>of</strong> the current development status and R&D needs for transportation<br />

-<strong>of</strong> waste. In the presentation <strong>of</strong> comparative analyses, Section 6.2 <strong>of</strong> the final Statement<br />

includes the transportation aspects <strong>of</strong> the various alternatives.<br />

Draft p. 4.15<br />

Issue<br />

It is not accurate to state that the insular geologic surroundings are <strong>of</strong> inherently<br />

dynamic nature. This is not so especially for the east coast continental islands. East<br />

coast islands are probably less likely to contain, or be near, valuable resources than some<br />

<strong>of</strong> the west coast islands, thus lessening the possibility <strong>of</strong> repository intrusion.<br />

(208-NRC)<br />

Response<br />

The referenced text from the draft Statement was included in draft Section 4.5.3.2,<br />

Susceptability to Natural Phenomena. The dynamic nature <strong>of</strong> insular geologic surroundings<br />

refers to the natural processs <strong>of</strong> geologic and meterologic changes. These changes are pro-<br />

nounced at continental boundaries where the erosional effects <strong>of</strong> the ocean may combine with<br />

tectonic changes to make island geologies and hydrologies inherently unstable.

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