Geologic and Geophysical Characterization Studies of Yucca Mountain, Nevada: A Potential High-Level Radioactive-Waste Repository
- U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO (United States)
The safe disposal of high-level radioactive wastes is one of the most pressing environmental issues of modern times. At present, most of these extremely dangerous materials, which have been produced by nuclear power plants at some 100 localities around the Nation and now total tens of thousands of tons, are being stored under temporary conditions at many of the individual plants. In recognition of the critical need for permanent waste storage, Yucca Mountain in southwestern Nevada has been investigated by Federal agencies since the 1970’s, as one of the Nation’s potential geologic disposal sites. In 1987, Congress selected Yucca Mountain for an expanded and more detailed site characterization effort, and a broad multidisciplinary program of studies was developed by the U.S. Department of Energy (1988) to further evaluate the suitability of the mountain as a safe and permanent underground disposal facility. The scope and objectives of the many kinds of investigations to be pursued were guided in large measure by regulations governing the siting of geologic repositories for high-level radioactive wastes that were issued by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Code of Federal Regulations 10CFR60) and supplemented by further requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Energy (Code of Federal Regulations 10CFR960). As an integral part of the planned site-characterization program, the U.S. Geological Survey began a series of detailed geologic, geophysical, and related investigations designed to characterize the tectonic setting, fault behavior, and seismicity of the Yucca Mountain area. A broad goal was to provide essential data for assessing the possible risks posed by future seismic and fault activity in the area that may affect the design and longterm performance, and the safe operation, of the potential surface and subsurface repository facilities. The results of 13 of the many studies that were undertaken to foster a fuller and more comprehensive understanding of the tectonic environment of Yucca Mountain are presented in this document. Data
- Research Organization:
- U.S. Geological Survey, Denver, CO (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Nevada Operations Office (NO)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AI08-97NV12033
- OSTI ID:
- 1178424
- Report Number(s):
- US Geological Survey Digital Data Series 058
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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