Geotechnical evaluation of the proposed WIPP site in southeast New Mexico
The Department of Energy is proposing to demonstrate the acceptability of geologic disposal of radioactive waste by locating a Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) in the salt beds 26 miles east of Carlsbad, New Mexico. The WIPP will serve as a permanent repository for defense generated transuranic contaminated waste and will also be used as a facility in which experiments and demonstrations with all radioactive waste types can be conducted. The present area being proposed for the WIPP is the second such location in the Delaware Basin for which new site data have been developed; the first site proved geologically unacceptable. Ecologic and socioeconomic aspects have been investigated and extensive geophysical, geological and hydrologic studies have been conducted to allow an evaluation of site acceptability. Geotechnical aspects of site characterization are examined. These studies are now sufficiently complete that the site can be recommended for further development of the WIPP.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EY-76-C-04-0789
- OSTI ID:
- 6477899
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-78-2194C; CONF-790204-4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
''WIPP'': a bedded salt repository for defense radioactive waste in southeastern New Mexico
Evaluation of the proposed WIPP site in southeast New Mexico
Related Subjects
12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
ECOLOGY
ELEMENTS
FUNCTIONAL MODELS
MANAGEMENT
NEW MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
PILOT PLANTS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE STORAGE
SITE SELECTION
SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS
SOUTHWEST REGION
STORAGE
TRANSURANIUM ELEMENTS
UNDERGROUND STORAGE
USA
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE STORAGE