Geologic, geochemical, rock mechanics, and hydrologic characteristics of candidate repository horizons

Technical Report · Wed Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982

OSTI ID:7014448

Long, P E; Apted, M J; Spane, Jr, F A; Kim, K

The objective of the Basalt Waste Isolation Project (BWIP) is to determine the feasibility of constructing a nuclear waste repository in basalt (NWRB) on the Hanford Site. Studies conducted to date indicate that an NWRB is feasible and would meet performance requirements with a significant safety margin. The two most promising candidate repository horizons for an NWRB are the middle Sentinel Bluffs and the Umtanum flows. Both of these flows are laterally continuous and have thicknesses of competent rock adequate to accommodate a repository. Significant geologic differences between the two flows are their depth, total thickness, and variability of flow top thickness. These differences will be considered in selecting one of the two flows for breakout from an exploratory shaft. The geochemical characteristics of both the middle Sentinel Bluffs flow and the Umtanum flow favor long-term isolation of radionuclides by providing an environment in which canister corrosion rates and solubility of many radionuclide-bearing solids is relatively low. The low permeabilities of the interiors of these two flows are also favorable for long-term performance of a repository. Finally, the interiors of both horozons consist of highly competent rock; preliminary design analysis based on the mechanical properties of these rocks indicate that stable openings can be excavated in both candidate repository horizons. 6 figures, 5 tables.

• Research Organization: Rockwell International Corp., Richland, WA (USA). Energy Systems Group
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-77RL01030
• OSTI ID: 7014448
• Report Number(s): RHO-BW-SA-252-P; CONF-821205-17; ON: DE83001491
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE WASTES FROM NUCLEAR FACILITIES
58 GEOSCIENCES
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BASALT
CHEMISTRY
DATA
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
GEOCHEMISTRY
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGY
GROUND WATER
HANFORD RESERVATION
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROLOGY
IGNEOUS ROCKS
INFORMATION
MANAGEMENT
MECHANICS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
NUMERICAL DATA
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
RADIOACTIVE WASTE FACILITIES
ROCK MECHANICS
ROCKS
SITE SELECTION
UNDERGROUND DISPOSAL
US DOE
US ERDA
US ORGANIZATIONS
VOLCANIC ROCKS
WASTE DISPOSAL
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WATER