United States Geological Survey's hydrogeological research programs and plans related to disposal of radioactive waste into geologic formations

Open-File Report 75-626
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Abstract

The Geological Survey, United States Department of Interior, has cooperated with the United States Energy Research and Development Administration, formerly the Atomic Energy Commission, for more than 30 years on research related to the disposal of radioactive waste into geological formations. Results of most of this research effort have been published or otherwise released and references to them are in lists of publications of the Geological Survey. Hydrogeological field studies currently underway evaluate bedded salt deposits in New Mexico and Utah, a salt dome in the Gulf Coast region, and shales in the Rocky Mountain area for their potential as host geological formations for high-level waste repositories. Detailed field studies of the potential migration of waste nuclides from shallow land burial sites of low-level waste in Idaho and Tennessee are also underway.

As a part of its own research program, the Geological Survey has initiated geochemical and digital model studies of waste transport at four of its research centers. At the same time field studies on the hydrogeology of four state-owned low-level radioactive solid waste burial grounds are being made to provide the field observations of waste migration needed to test the theoretical and laboratory approaches. Hydrogeological criteria will be developed for use in the selection of future radioactive waste disposal sites.

Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title United States Geological Survey's hydrogeological research programs and plans related to disposal of radioactive waste into geologic formations
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 75-626
DOI 10.3133/ofr75626
Year Published 1975
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Description ii, 23 p.
Country United States
State Idaho, New Mexico, Tennessee, Utah
Other Geospatial Gulf Coast, Rocky Mountains
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