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

5.2 STATUS OF TECHNOLOGY AND R&D
5.14
Research and development is underway to address the data needs of waste isolation
identified in this Statement. In conducting R&D for waste isolation, a technically conser-
vative systems approach is being used, with emphasis on scientific peer review of the acti-
vities along with public review, such as the public comment activities of this Statement.
An important document supporting DOE's R&D effort is the Earth Science Technical Plan
(ESTP) for Disposal of Radioactive Waste in a Mined Repository (DOE/USGS 1980). The ESTP
was prepared by a group consisting of scientists from USGS, DOE and DOE contractors. This
group has comprehensively reviewed R&D to define work that may improve the reliability of
isolating nuclear wastes in a mined geologic repository, and has recommended programmatic
activities. The ESTP describes R&D programs sponsored by DOE and the U.S. Geological Sur-
vey. The work in progress involves 76 R&D contractors (including 20 universities and
7 national laboratories). While the key work in progress is discussed in the paragraphs
below, the reader is referred to the ESTP to gain more complete perspective on the ongoing
R&D activity. Parallel studies sponsored by NRC, EPA and the utility industry are in pro-
gress in the United States and in foreign countries (particularly Sweden, Federal Republic
of Germany, France, Great Britain, Japan and Russia).
The following sections provide a general discussion of the current status of technology
and the R&D activity and requirements for the geologic site selection, waste package, and
repository system.
5.2.1 Geologic Site Selection(a)
Geologic site selection involves characterizing promising areas of the United States
as possible locations for repository facilities for radioactive waste (see also Sec-
tion 2.3). During site selection or qualification, certain factors or criteria necessary
for adequate performance of the natural system must be considered. Such factors or re-
quirements are summarized in the "NWTS Criteria for the Geologic Disposal of Nuclear
Wastes: Site - Qualification Criteria (ONWI-33(2), 1980)." These requirements are being
used by DOE to guide its site selection or qualification activities until such time as
formal licensing criteria are adopted by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and the
Environmental Protection Agency.
Much of the data base for site selection is available. These data include topography,
records of seismic activity and volcanism, hydrology, and presence of the natural resources.
Other data, including depth to a potential emplacement zone, areal extent of rock type,
attitude (dip, inclination), and the nature of the contiguous formations are developed at
specific sites. Ground water, as the principal agent for transport of radioactive waste to
the biosphere, has received intensive study and research over the past decade. The prin-
ciples that govern its occurrence, movement and related rates of supply and usage are well
established. While major aquifers and their distribution and properties are known, addi-
tional study using accepted techniques can define regional and local flow systems
adequately.
(a) Section 2.3 describes the present National Site Characterization and Selection Plan.