Using GIS to incorporate population characteristics in exploration of potential radioactive waste routes in Oklahoma.

摘要

Findings and Conclusions. Because of Oklahoma’s geographical location in the nation, all types of radioactive waste can potentially be routed through the state from points-of-origin to designated waste repositories. Numerous governmental regulations have been implemented to ensure public safety. However, population characteristics are not explicitly included in the routing process. This study uses GIS techniques to incorporate population characteristics in exploring the routing problem in Oklahoma. First, potential Oklahoma radioactive waste routes, weighted by total distance or transit time, are identified for a set of origination and destination sites. Next, GIS procedures are developed to derive and report the demographics of people who live along the routes. Finally, a new routing criterion of least population being potentially impacted is discussed and implemented in GIS to help explore the potential radioactive waste routes in Oklahoma. The GIS procedures developed in this study can be used to help make better decisions on routing radioactive waste.