Geomechanical Impact of Natural Events and Processes on the Performance of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant

摘要

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant is a deep, underground geologic repository developed for permanent disposal of transuranic (nuclear) waste. In determining the integrity of the facility during the 10,000 years regulatory period, the Department of Energy has evaluated several scenarios which can potentially breach the repository and release the radio nuclides to the accessible environment. This paper examines four geo-mechanically sensitive natural events and processes which can create pathways for release. The mechanics and processes of creating these pathways are analyzed and their potential impacts on the repository are discussed. Adequate background materials to explain the repository conditions at different times and design safeguards are also included. The Department of Energy has screened these processes and does not consider to be potential threats to the integrity of the repository. However, this study is more focused to discuss the mechanics of the process and not the consequences alone.