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

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Response<br />

380<br />

ALTERNATIVE DISPOSAL CONCEPTS<br />

It is acknowledged that the safe transportation <strong>of</strong> wastes to and over the Antarctic ice<br />

would pose formidable engineering design and operations problems. It is believed, however,<br />

that the uncertainties <strong>of</strong> the ice emplacement medium itself and the Antarctic environment<br />

should receive greater attention for this Statement. There is no intent to minimize the<br />

other important issues such as those presented by the commenters. See Section 6.2 <strong>of</strong> the<br />

final Statement for comparative discussion <strong>of</strong> transportation characteristics for the alter-<br />

natives and the mined repository.<br />

In addition, Section 4.5 <strong>of</strong> the Predisposal Systems Chapter discusses transportation<br />

alternatives (including sea transport) in a more detailed and thorough manner than in the<br />

draft Statement. Quantitative and qualitative assessment <strong>of</strong> impacts were presented when-<br />

ever possible using the most recent data available.<br />

Draft p. 3.7.3<br />

Issue<br />

It is not clear why the example heat criterion is a factor <strong>of</strong> 20,000 less than that<br />

used for salt. (154)<br />

Response<br />

The criterion referred to was presented only for the purpose <strong>of</strong> providing a frame <strong>of</strong><br />

reference regarding how heat load criteria might affect the land area required for disposal.<br />

The first sentence <strong>of</strong> the referenced paragraph <strong>of</strong> the draft Statement stated that additional<br />

study would be required to determine the heat load criteria for waste emplacement in the ice<br />

sheets.<br />

Draft p. 3.7.3<br />

Issue<br />

It is proposed that aircraft be utilized to ferry waste canisters to emplacement<br />

sites. This is judged to be a poor choice in that risks <strong>of</strong> severe air transportation<br />

accidents are much higher than for ground transportation modes. (124)<br />

Response<br />

Section 6.1.5.2 <strong>of</strong> the final Statement notes that over-ice transport <strong>of</strong> casks via land<br />

vehicles is the preferred alternative (as opposed to aircraft).

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