DRI scientists are contributing to the evaluation of Yucca Mountain as a potential geological repository for high-level nuclear waste (HLW) and spent fuel. Past and future climates are being investigated to estimate parameters such as water infiltration and recharge. DRI is collaborating with several national laboratories to develop models for predicting how different rock types and their specific properties will affect groundwater flow and contaminant transport in the saturated and unsaturated zones. DRI also is beginning the investigation of groundwater flow and thermal modeling in an area having high hydraulic gradients located north of Yucca Mountain. Finally, DRI has operated the cultural resources management program for the repository program for the last 25 years.
Beginning in 2004, DRI began to design monitoring systems for evaluating air and groundwater quality and other environmental conditions in communities surrounding Yucca Mountain through a federal appropriation. While it is not certain that Yucca Mountain will be licensed as a high-level waste repository, it is important to begin the design process now to ensure these systems are in place to protect the public should HLW be disposed at Yucca Mountain. For more information on DRI's mobile air quality shelter, please refer to DRI's Summer 2006 Newsletter.
 Landsat Thematic Mapper image of the area around Yucca Mountain |
Among the efforts for the Yucca Mountain Environmental Monitoring Program is using remote imagery to develop a baseline of existing land disturbance on the area proposed for the repository. For the proposed Yucca Mountain land withdrawal, there is existing land disturbance (not necessarily associated with contamination) on both the Nevada Test Site, as well as the portions of the proposed land withdrawal currently managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Air Force. To establish a land disturbance baseline, high resolution multispectral satellite imagery as well as hyperspectral imagery collected in 2004 and 2005 is being analyzed. Spectral and textural classification algorithms are being used to separate disturbed features such as paths, jeep trails, and building structures from background features. Disturbance features will be incorporated into a geographic information system. Follow-on activities will include examining areas of disturbance on the ground to characterize them and determine their origin. In future years, the 2005 baseline can be used as a point of comparison for measuring land disturbance if the repository program moves forward. Other ongoing research for the Yucca Mountain Environmental Monitoring Program include:
|
Evaluating uncertainty in groundwater flow upgradient of Yucca Mountain.
Establishing background for air quality parameters.
Testing technologies for monitoring potential radionuclide releases to the air from future Yucca Mountain operations including radon and noble gases.
