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Improving Operations and Long-Term Safety of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant Final Report (2001) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Pages 1-6

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 1...
... , and microbial activity are predicted to be the highest and will be less significant later. The committee recommends that the results of the on-site monitoring program be used to improve the performance assessment for recertification purposes.
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From page 2...
... Observation should continue at least until the repository shafts are sealed and longer if possible. The committee recommends that the results of the on-site monitoring program be used to improve the performance assessment for recertification purposes.
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From page 3...
... To improve site characterization and increase confidence in repository performance in view of the recertification application, the committee recommends the use of seismic survey techniques for detecting large brine reservoirs below the repository.3 In case a brine reservoir were found beneath the WIPP and its size were larger than what is already taken into account in the PA, then the DOE should conduct an extensive review of the impact of such reservoir on the repository performance. A basis would then exist to take appropriate action to ensure the safety of the repository.
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From page 4...
... The committee recommends that the DOE's efforts to review waste characterization and packaging requirements continue and that changes be implemented over the entire National TRU Program. The committee recommends that the resources required to complete these improvements be made available by the DOE.
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From page 5...
... The committee recommends that all reasonable transportation options including reduction in the number of shipments, such as rail and road transportation with better-adapted containers, should be part of the decision-making process of transporting TRU waste from generator and storage sites to the WIPP. Future transportation studies should consider railway shipments and their impact on both the safety and the cost of the program.
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From page 6...
... The committee recommends the use of such risk-informed analysis in the application for revision of the USNRC certificate of compliance concerning hydrogen generation limits for transportation purposes.
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Key Terms

  • tru waste
  • gas generation
  • national tru
  • tru program
  • emergency response

  • packaging requirements
  • organic materials
  • response program
  • safety analysis
  • organic material

  • monitoring program
  • wipp site
  • waste drums
  • rock salt
  • brine reservoirs

  • site characterization
  • rock zone
  • hydrogen generation
  • generation safety
  • occurring radioactive

  • solids associated
  • legal basis
  • characterization requirements
  • radioactive material
  • waste transportation

  • reservoirs below
  • transportation option
  • recertification purposes
  • site performance
  • disturbed rock


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