Geologic investigations of the WIPP Site: overview and issues
The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) is planned for the disposal of defense waste in bedded salt of southeastern New Mexico. Since 1975, the geologic investigations have progressed through preliminary site selection and geologic characterization phases and are now primarily concerned with the long-term geological processes that may affect the site. These processes are grouped by hydrology, dissolution, geochemical, tectonic, and climatic mechanisms. Issues regarding isolation at the WIPP are usually grouped according to these processes or human intrusion. Combinations of human and water intrusion are the most likely ways of releasing radioactivity from the WIPP to the biosphere. The issues thus raised concern how well the hydrology is or must be known, whether resources will attract unacceptable human intrusion, and how geologic processes may enhance release of radionuclides. Analysis of these processes so far does not indicate that radioactive material will be released from the repository in significant amounts. The main issue (what are the consequences to man of the WIPP.) is satisfied, therefore, in spite of the possibility that unusual events, such as human intrusion, can occur.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6619525
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-81-0201C; CONF-810419-1; TRN: 81-004629
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Circular of New Mexico and Geological Society meeting, Albuquerque, NM, USA, 14 Apr 1981
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Scientific studies in support of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) repository
WIPP site and vicinity geological field trip. A report of a field trip to the proposed Waste Isolation Pilot Plant project in Southeastern New Mexico, June 16 to 18, 1980
Related Subjects
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
RADIATION HAZARDS
RISK ASSESSMENT
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
GEOLOGY
HYDROLOGY
MAN
NEW MEXICO
PILOT PLANTS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
RESOURCES
SALT DEPOSITS
TECTONICS
ANIMALS
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
MAMMALS
MANAGEMENT
NORTH AMERICA
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
PRIMATES
SOUTHWEST REGION
USA
VERTEBRATES
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
052002* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Disposal & Storage
053000 - Nuclear Fuels- Environmental Aspects
054000 - Nuclear Fuels- Health & Safety
290600 - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy