Performance assessment methodology demonstration: Methodology development for evaluating compliance with EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) 40 CFR 191, Subpart B, for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

Technical Report · Fri Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1989

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5083309· OSTI ID:5083309

Marietta, M. G.; Bertram-Howery, S. G.; Anderson, D. R.; Rechard, R. P. ^[1]; Brinster, K. F.; Guzowski, R. V. ^[2]; Iuzzolino, H. ^[3]

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1. Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
2. Science Applications International Corp., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
3. Geo-Centers, Inc., Albuquerque, NM (USA)

This report describes a demonstration of the performance assessment methodology for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) to be used in assessing compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency. This demonstration incorporates development and screening of potentially disruptive scenarios. A preliminary analysis of the WIPP disposal system's response to human intrusion scenarios produces preliminary complementary cumulative distribution functions (CCDFs) used to assess the compliance of the WIPP with the Containment Requirements of the Standard. The conceptual model of the disposal system consists of geologic, hydrologic, and disposal system subsystems along with the physical and chemical processes associated with these subsystems. Parameter values defining the systems contain uncertainties and modeling approximations of such a disposal system contributes to those uncertainties. The WIPP compliance assessment methodology consists of a system of techniques and computer codes that estimate releases of radionuclides from the disposal system, incorporating analysis of the parameter uncertainties in the estimates. Demonstration CCDFs are presented, but are not yet credible enough to judge the probability of compliance of the WIPP with the EPA Standard. 60 refs., 75 figs., 30 tabs.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/DP
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00789
• OSTI ID: 5083309
• Report Number(s): SAND-89-2027; ON: DE90006421
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS
ALPHA-BEARING WASTES
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
HIGH-LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTES
REGULATIONS
COMPLIANCE
WIPP
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
BOREHOLES
COMPILED DATA
EVALUATION
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INFORMATION SYSTEMS
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MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PERFORMANCE TESTING
QUALITY ASSURANCE
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
US EPA
CAVITIES
DATA
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUMERICAL DATA
PILOT PLANTS
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
RADIOACTIVE WASTES
TESTING
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
052002* - Nuclear Fuels- Waste Disposal & Storage
053000 - Nuclear Fuels- Environmental Aspects