Generic Technical Position on Borehole and Shaft Sealing of High-Level Nuclear Waste Repositories

摘要

Construction of shafts and boreholes in geologic media alters the natural setting and may create preferential pathways for groundwater flow and consequently migration of radionuclides. Since these pathways could adversely affect the isolation capabilities of the repository over the long term, the NRC has required in 10 CFR Part 60 that boreholes and shafts be sealed at permanent closure of the repository. This document provides general guidance for identifying what types of information should be developed, and identified issues and points of concern about borehole and shaft seals that should be addressed prior to the submittal by DOE of a license application for construction authorization. The document identifies those concerns which are potentially applicable to any saturated media site that may be selected. However if sealing is needed in the unsaturated zone, then the guidance in this GTP is applicable.