Brine Sampling and Evaluation Program, 1990 report
- International Technology Corp., Albuquerque, NM (United States)
- Westinghouse Electric Corp., Carlsbad, NM (United States). Waste Isolation Div.
The data presented in this report are the result of Brine Sampling and Evaluation Program (BSEP) activities at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) during 1990. When excavations began in 1982, small brine seepages (weeps) were observed on the walls. These brine occurrences were initially described as part of the Site Validation Program. Brine studies were formalized in 1985. The BSEP activities document and investigate the origins, hydraulic characteristics, extent, and composition of brine occurrences in the Permian Salado Formation and seepage of that brine into the excavations at the WIPP. The brine chemistry is important because it assists in understanding the origin of the brine and because it may affect possible chemical reactions in the buried waste after sealing the repository. The volume of brine and the hydrologic system that drives the brine seepage also need to be understood to assess the long-term performance of the repository. After more than eight years of observations (1982--1990), no credible evidence exists to indicate that enough naturally occurring brine will seep into the WIPP excavations to be of practical concern. The detailed observations and analyses summarized herein and in previous BSEP reports confirm the evidence apparent during casual visits to the underground workings -- that the excavations are remarkably dry.
- Research Organization:
- Westinghouse Electric Corp., Carlsbad, NM (United States). Waste Isolation Div.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-86AL31950
- OSTI ID:
- 10180098
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/WIPP--91-036; ON: DE93019496
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
58 GEOSCIENCES
580000
ALPHA-BEARING WASTES
BRINES
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
EVALUATION
EXCAVATION
GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOSCIENCES
NUMERICAL DATA
ORIGIN
SALT DEPOSITS
SAMPLING
SITE CHARACTERIZATION
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
WASTE DISPOSAL AND STORAGE
WIPP