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Preliminary analyses of scenarios for potential human interference for repositories in three salt formations

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5645939· OSTI ID:5645939

Preliminary analyses of scenarios for human interference with the performance of a radioactive waste repository in a deep salt formation are presented. The following scenarios are analyzed: (1) the U-Tube Connection Scenario involving multiple connections between the repository and the overlying aquifer system; (2) the Single Borehole Intrusion Scenario involving penetration of the repository by an exploratory borehole that simultaneously connects the repository with overlying and underlying aquifers; and (3) the Pressure Release Scenario involving inflow of water to saturate any void space in the repository prior to creep closure with subsequent release under near lithostatic pressures following creep closure. The methodology to evaluate repository performance in these scenarios is described and this methodology is applied to reference systems in three candidate formations: bedded salt in the Palo Duro Basin, Texas; bedded salt in the Paradox Basin, Utah; and the Richton Salt Dome, Mississippi, of the Gulf Coast Salt Dome Basin.

Research Organization:
INTERA Technologies, Inc., Houston, TX (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-83CH10140
OSTI ID:
5645939
Report Number(s):
BMI/ONWI-553; ON: DE86013289
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English