Analysis of the potential formation of a Breccia chimney beneath the WIPP repository
This report evaluates the potential formation of a Breccia pipe beginning at the Bell Canyon aquifer beneath the WIPP repository and the resulting release of radioactivity to the surface. Rock mechanics considerations indicate that the formation of a Breccia pipe by collapse of a cavern is not reasonable. Even if rock mechanics is ignored, the overlying strata act as a barrier and would prevent the release of radioactivity to the biosphere. Gradual formation of a Breccia pipe is so slow that the plutonium-239 in the waste (one of the most important long-lived components) would decay during formation. If Bell Lake and San Simon Sinks are the surface manifestation of a regional deep dissolution wedge, such a wedge is too far removed to represent pipe forming activity near the WIPP site. The formation of a Breccia pipe under the WIPP repository is highly unlikely. If it did occur, the concentration of plutonium-239 in brine reaching the surface would be less than the maximum permissible concentration in water specified in the Code of Federal Regulation Title 10, part 20.
- Research Organization:
- New Mexico Health and Environment Dept., Santa Fe (USA). Environmental Improvement Div.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-78AL10752
- OSTI ID:
- 5254929
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/AL/10752-13; EEG-13; ON: DE82016294; TRN: 82-015694
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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PILOT PLANTS
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