Environmental Analysis for Interim Waste Facility - Research Paper Example

Name Institution Tutor Date Introduction Nuclear wastes is considered one of the most hazardous substance on the face of the earth. The waste also referred to as radioactive waste is the liquid or gaseous waste that is generated from nuclear fuel production, nuclear power stations, decommissioning of nuclear plants, the manufacturing of weapons and repossessing of fuel (Gaffigan, 2010). Minimal amounts of radioactive wastes are also produced by research, industrial and medical institutions. According to the U.S national inventory, 70, 000 metric tons of nuclear waste can actually fill a football field above 15 feet deep. Since the 1940 nuclear waste has been accumulating in a total of 80 sites in 35 states. The accumulation is estimated to even double to 153, 000 metric tons by the year 2055 (Gaffigan, 2010). A major concern throughout the years has been to establish suitable nuclear waste disposal sites. The nation Nuclear Waste policy Act of 1982 influenced the implementation and construction of a nuclear waste disposal facility at the Yucca Mountain located in Nevada. The Yucca Mountain project has however faced a great deal of contention with environmentalists arguing that the project is an environmental hazard while the residents of Nevada and a faction of politicians have continuously opposed its existence. Funding on the project has since been stopped due to the existing debates that arose essentially during the Obama administration. There is however need to develop other facilities that can aid the storage of nuclear waste. This paper seeks to present a proposed plan to design an interim waste facility (Above the ground) to store nuclear waste in Andrews County, Texas. The scope of the paper will consist of an environmental impact analysis for Andrews County in comparison to that of the Yucca Mountain. In addition, information gathered will be compared with that of Andrews County in order to make a conclusive justification for the site. Summary of the Yucca Mountain environmental report Water Table Survey According to Brook et al (1999) the suitability of Yucca Mountain as a repository for nuclear waste is mainly grounded on the attributes of a very dry climate and also the existence of a deep water table. Yucca Mountain is basically one of the driest places in the United States. The area receives a yearly rainfall of just seven inches. The Agency of Nuclear discloses that the Yuccas Mountain repository is evidently the only repository in the world that is located above the water table but not below it. Population Density and Remoteness The population density of the site is generally low. The low population has existed for years in the findings of various census. Additionally, the remoteness of the area from regions that are highly populated is another key factor that promotes the suitability of the site as a repository area. The Yucca Mountain site is approximately 100 miles away from the nearest town, the estimated population can be found at the Armargosa Valley which consist of an estimated population of 1000 people, who are located about 14 miles away from the valley ( GAO, 2011). Over there years, no residences have been living within 6.2 Miles of the site and also no day time or seasonal populations have exited in the boundaries of the site. A total of 5, 200 workers have been employed in the site, however most of their activities have been conducted outside the Nevada Test Site. The workers have been given access to the site due to their preparedness in dealing with radioactive hazards as opposed to the members of the public. Another key factor is that population growth at the Yucca Mountain site is uncertain. This therefore makes the site a suitable area for the construction of a radioactive waste disposal facility valley (GAO, 2011). Potential Environmental challenges that may affect the Yucca Mountain repository Climate change is one of the potential changes that are bound to take place in the Yucca Mountain region. The United Stated geological survey of (2000) admits that wetter climates are bound to be experienced in the southern regions of the United State. The assessment estimates that in the next ten thousand years, the climate at the Yucca Mountain will be dominated by a wetter and cooler glacial transition climate. The assessment further suggests that the yearly precipitation rates will rise however not significantly. The possible rise in water infiltration into the Yucca Mountain is a critical aspect in examining the site based on the fact that the movement of water and infiltration via the unsaturated zone (the rock and soil between the water table and surface) will define the period of time it will take for the waste containers to corrode and also for the water to leak radionuclides that exist in the waste. A study conducted by Ritcey and Wu (p 257) discloses that the increase in infiltration is bound to result to a rise in percolation water that may spread to the repository as an aspect that may affect the project. The occurrence of an earthquake and a fault is another potential environmental hazard that is bound to affect the Yucca Mountain repository. Studies disclose that an earthquake and fault is one of the potential hazards that can take place in the site. In most cases a repository that is located in a seismically active area is usually vulnerable to probable loss of isolation, the occurrence of a fault movement and seismic occurrences. The Agency of earthquake researchers concluded that an earthquake of the magnitude of 6.5-7.0 magnitude is likely to occur in the locality of the site in next ten thousand years. In terms of the 33 known quaternary faults, the Yucca Mountain region is bound to experience a minimum of five faults. The faults are perceived to contain volcanic ash, therefore giving evidence of volcanic eruptions that may take place south of the site at Lathrop Wells volcano. Apart from the probability of significant damage the earthquakes also lead to the movement of faults and thus resulting to changes in the water table, the initiation of geothermal or volcanic activity and also severely altering the geologic and hydrologic environment at the site (Agency Research, p1) Another key challenge is that volcanic tuffs at the site are unbalanced at elevated temperatures. This situation affects the capability of the site to act as an effective repository. The volcanic tuffs that exist below the Yucca Mountain are in most cases altered locally to clays and zeolites that develop layers before the tuff layer. The chemical characteristics that exist in the zeolite mineral influence them to act as a natural barrier for the movement of radionuclides in the water through absorption. Nevertheless, research discloses that the zeolites have been rated as unstable at high temperatures (above 100 degrees). The implication is that the zeolites are not able to absorb radionuclides at the high temperatures, thus affecting the performance of the repository waste isolation. The heat that is produced due to the thermal load can lead to adverse implication on the process of waste isolation. An Agency sponsored study on the impact of thermal loading established that the existence of high rock temperatures taking place in the repository can lead to the redistribution of rock silica minerals to change the fracture pathways and tuff rock matrix into hydrothermal funnels. Such an occurrence may in future result to the infiltration of water directly into the packages of nuclear waste (Agency Research, p1). The Yucca Mountain region also has the potential for natural resources which can affect the site as a repository facility. According the Agency of research, there is an indicator that there is mineral presence at the site essentially precious metals such as silver and gold. The probable existence of such minerals is bound to attract extraction and exploitation in the future. Several studies sponsored by the research as Agency have disclosed that traces of silver and gold could exist at the site with time. Also the uncertainty in evaluating the suitability of the site may result from the probability of human intrusion into the site in order to look for natural resources that are valuable. Presently there is also a real probability for future gas and oil production at the site or near the site. The Agency researchers have identified rocks that act as a hydrocarbon source. This implies that there is a probability of the site to have natural resources therefore making it an unsuitable repository site (Agency Research, p1). There is also a probability of volcanic eruption from the site. A study conducted by the Department of Energy disclosed the fact that there is a possibility of the occurrence of a volcanic eruption that can take place in the Yucca repository. The department used probabilistic risk analysis in order to examine whether the effect of a nuclear eruption would actually be acceptable. The finding of the probability calculation revealed that there is a likelihood of waste eruption. This arises due to the fact that radioactive wastes that are highly reactive have piled up in many sites including the Yucca Mountain region. When the piling up continues there is probability that waste eruption may occur at the site. Andrews County The proposed site is to be located on the Mexican boundary on the eastern part of Texas. The site is basically 31 Miles west of Andrews city. The selection of this particular site was mainly grounded on the fact that it receives a low amount of rainfall. Pending the development of a long term waste disposal site, the construction of an interim waste disposal facility is very much viable essentially after the indefinite closure of the Yucca Mountain project. Comparison of Yucca Mountain to Andrews County and why Andrews County is our choice. Andrews County can be described as a site that is uniquely positioned and can offer an interim solution to the development of a nuclear waste repository. A key factor that supports Andrews County as opposed to the Yucca Mountain is the concept of the capability of the site to handle high level and low level radioactive waste. On the other hand, the capability of Yucca Mountain to handle high level radioactive waste is an aspect that is doubted (Storey and Kelley, p409). Currently, Andrews country handles low level radioactive wastes. In the 1980s the state of Texas ratified the Low –Level Radioactive Waste Policy that required the state to manage low level radioactive waste (TCEQ, p18). The state has since then implemented the requirement. Andrews County also does have the capability to have a repository that handles high level nuclear waste. According to Storey and Kelley, (p409) Andrews County is the only locality that has been approved for high level radioactive waste. The site is therefore the most effective site to be the interim waste facility. The main objective of developing an interim waste radiative waste disposal facility is basically to mediate between the high level waste(HLW) and the immediate level waste(ILW). Due to the recent closer of the Yucca Mountain project as a result of the numerous challenges, Andrews county does qualify to act as an interim facility based on the fact that the site has the capability to mediate between the high level waste (HLW) and the immediate level waste(ILW). One of the key attributes that is required in an effective repository site is the hydrologic properties that exist in the subsurface materials. The requirement of having an effective subsurface hydrology can be measured through the water balance of the system and transport chemicals through subsurface horizons whether unsaturated or saturated. A study conducted by Flint (1998, p 2) disclosed that the Yucca Mountain site offers various challenges in terms of hydraulic properties due to cooling, depositional and the alteration history of the rocks. Such a history leads to variances in tortuosity of flow paths, connectivity, vertical heterogeneities and water retention (Flint (1998, p 2). Such attributes therefore make the Yucca Mountain site to be a less prolific to act as an interim repository site. On the other hand, the Andrews country site when examined in terms of hydraulic properties can be termed as a more effective site in the construction of an interim above the ground repository. This is because the site has dry land and also receives minimal levels of rain which cannot affect the surface where the interim repository is to be constructed. Geologists and groundwater specialists disclosed that the water table in Andrews county repository is 14 Feet from the site. The specialists found out that the water may actually be closer. Nevertheless, although the water is close the construction of a waste facility above the ground to store nuclear waste is possible and also workable as compared to the Yucca Mountain. This is because at Andrew County it is possible to direct the water away from the waste facility. This can be undertaken by the construction of water disposal and drainage units. The construction of the disposal and drainage units is supported by two design factors. One of the features is that the area has run off upstream ledges that are situated halfway up the area of the disposal unit (TCEQ, p56). Another key feature is that it is possible to provide accounts of precipitation at the low areas of disposal unit. Such features provide an opportunity for directing the water easily away from the disposal site. In the context of the Yucca Mountain, as noted earlier ground water lies below the surface which is 2, 000 feet underneath the top of the mountain. However, despite of the fact that the ground water is far beneath, other sources of water arise which cannot be controlled as seen in the context of the Andrews county. The Department of Energy (TCEQ, p6) discloses that precipitation snow or rain at the surface of the mountain currently averages to about 7.5 inches annually. In addition, environmentalists have predicted that the area could be wetter and cooler in the coming years. What is evident is that it can be difficult to control precipitation snow or rain from affecting the interim waste facility. Often the storage containers that are used to build above the ground interim repositories should be located above the ground water a certainly not within a flood plain. The probability of infiltration in Andrews County is actually minimal as compared to that of the Yucca Mountain site. As noted earlier, Yucca Mountain does have the probability of infiltration. This may affect the storage containers by leading to implications such as corrosion. The Andrews County site is also suitable in the construction of an interim disposal facility above the ground based on the fact that the site is not a purely geologic disposal site. When practically examined a site that is more of a geologic disposal site such as the Yucca Mountain, results to the formation of a multiple barriers. In most cases the construction of a repository has to be done underground which implies that constructing of an interim repository above the ground would basically be major challenge. Although the construction of geological repositories has been considered as more safe as opposed to the above the ground facilities, what is evident is that geologic disposal can result to a variety of risks such as susceptibility to volcanism, seismic activity and water percolation (Nevada Nuclear Waste Office, 2015). Above the ground facilities are usually constructed in a way to offer isolation from the ground. They can be constructed through the use of reinforced concrete buildings that offer isolation from the ground. The roofs and walls are usually three feet thick and are developed in a manner to aid ran- off water (National Research Council, p151).When making a comparison of the two sites, it can be stated that the Andrews County has the capability to offer an effective ground for the construction of an above the ground radioactive disposal site. This is because the environment in the region has a firm ground that can aid the construction of the wall required in developing the above the ground facility. On the other hand, the top layer of the Yucca Mountain consist of volcanic tuff that are wedded and thermally fused with volcanic rock. The rocks have been found to have a reduced level of permeability to water this therefore implies that they cannot effectively support the construction of an over the ground repository facility. Also, it can argued that Andrews County is a prolific site for setting up the interim radioactive waste disposal facility due to the fact potential challenges that face the Yucca Mountain do not exist in the site. A case in point is when looking at the issue of the possibility of a volcanic eruption in the site. The occurrence of volcanic eruption at Andrews County is not probable this is based on the fact that most volcanic eruptions occur in mountains. Additionally, challenges such as water infiltration are not likely to take place at Andrews County based on the fact that the water table is developing a dry line. The recent characterization of the water table at Andrews County indicates that a dry line has developed that could probably spread further to the south and at the boundary section (TCEQ, p224). This findings indicate that a significant level of water cannot be found near site in the predicted future. This therefore indicates that the probability of infiltration in the site are minimal, thus making Andrews County more suitable for the interim facility. According to the national weather service website, the level of precipitation in the Andrews County is predicted to be no more than four inches. Estimates also indicate that future level of rainfall will be limited. When compared to the Yucca Mountain site, it was noted that the level of precipitation was approximately seven Inches which is more than that of Andrews County. In addition, predictions of an increase in the level of rainfall at Yucca Mountain have been estimated in the future. Therefore, it can be stated that Andrews County is the most suitable site for the development of the interim radioactive waste repository. Environmental Regulations Environmental NRC Regulations to store nuclear waste The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) regulates the storage, management and disposal of radioactive waste. In order to commence operations, the project will foremost require a license from NRC. As a result there is need to meet the key requirements of NRC which include adopting the security requirements outlined by the agency. NRC recommends that nuclear storage facilities should develop a series of physical barriers that can assist in protecting the selected site. The site is to be divided into three major zones which include a protected area, the controlled buffer area and a vital area. Access to such areas should be restricted and only plant employee should be given access to the area (NRC, p1). Another fundamental security requirement is to develop a physical security requirement that can serve as a basis of threat (DBT). The DBT is useful in estimating the severity of possible attacks that may affect the site. For instance; since the 911 terror attack incident there has been a potential threat towards nuclear power plants which can also take place in nuclear waste disposal sites. Consequently, there is need to ensure that there is adequate security in such facilities in order to avert any sort of attack (NRC, p1). Also in order to meet the requirements of the agency Andrews County will ascertain that the developed facility will be designed in a manner to control any sort of contamination from the liquid and gaseous releases. Additionally, enough ventilation will be created in order to deal with the generation of gas during and accident or even during the normal operations. Also, arrangement will be made in order in order to protect the employees who work at the facility. Such of the provisions include protection from fire, transportation in the event of accidents. Also In order to effectively manage the facility a data base will be developed on order to keep waste effectively manage the package and storage of the waste (NRC, p1). Code 10 of the NRC requirements propagate that the cornerstone of the system is stability. It is essential for a waste disposal facility to have stability. Stability will therefore be attained by ensuring that the selected site is well covered and protected from access of water which can infiltrate the site. The penetration of water into the disposal containers can result to the entry of radionuclides which can lead to exposure of the public to the radionuclides. Therefore when developing an interim waste facility that is above the ground for low level radioactive waste, there is need to ensure that exposure to subsurface water does not take place (TCEQ,p203). Environmental TCEQ Regulations for LLW Texas Law provides areas of compliance for handling Low level radioactive waste (LLW). One of the areas of compliance is that Low – level radioactive waste has to be disposed and managed in order to minimize risk to the environment and to the people. Another area of compliance is to ensure that low level radioactive wastes that have high risks should be disposed with care. The interim facility will ensure that low level wastes that have high risk will be disposed in a more restricted manner. According to the United States LLW categorization, class C of Low- Level radioactive waste is the most hazardous and should be handled affectively. The project will ensure that such waste is handled and disposed effectively. A large proportion of class C of low level waste is usually produced by nuclear power reactors. Disposal of the waste will therefore be done in a stable form and will be done in concrete canisters and overpacks. Stabilization will be attained by compacting the solid waste, solidifying the liquid waste or placing the waste in containers that will make them stable for many years (TCEQ, p19). Also, according to Texas regulation for LLW, the project will ensure that LLW will not pose any risk to both the environment and the people living in the region. This will be ascertained by ensuring that the LLW that is highly risky is not exposed to the environment which can further affect human health. Exposure to risky radioactive materials can result to health problems such as sterility, reduced immunity, cancer and even death (TCEQ, p19). Environmental Protection Agency The environmental protection Agency is charged with the role of developing environmental standards and the guidance for radiation protection that are to be attained. One of the key requirement that will be enforced by the project in compliance with EPA’s requirements is to ascertain that the project will reduce the amount of radioactivity that gets into the biosphere in order to lower the exposure of the public from such nuclear waste. For instance; under the Nuclear Waste Policy there is need to adopt acceptable standards that can protect the public from the exposure to radioactive waste (The environmental protection Agency, p1). Conclusion The above discussion has provided an environmental analysis of Andrews County as an effective site for the construction of an interim waste disposal facility. The paper acknowledges the fact that there is need to develop an interim waste disposal site in order to continue with the effective the management and disposal of radioactive wastes. Some of the factors highlighted to back the significance of Andrews County include; the fact that the site is not a purely geologic disposal site. Also, the site can act as an interim facility based on the fact that is has the capability to handle both the low level radioactive waste and the high level radioactive waste. Additionally, the Andrews County is not prone to infiltration of water which can affect the project. In conclusion, this paper promotes the idea that Andrews County is indeed a suitable site for the construction of an interim waste disposal site. Nevertheless, there is need to conduct more studies in order to examine the areas long term capability to act as a radioactive waste repository site. Works Cited Agency Research. Summary of Yucca Mountain Oversight and Impact Assessment Findings. 1997. Brook, G.A., Burney, D.A., and Cowart, J.B. Desert Paleoenvironmental Data from Cave Speleothems with Examples from the Chihuahuan, Somali-Chalbi, and Kalahari Deserts. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 76, pp. 311-329. 1990) Department of Energy. The National Repository at Yucca Mountain. Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management. 2008. Government Accountability Office (GAO). Yucca Mountain: Information on Alternative Uses of the Site and Related Challenges: 2011. Flint, L, 1998, Characterization of hydrogeologic units using matrix properties, Yucca mountain, Nevada, Water-Resources Investigations Report. Gaffigan , Mark. Nuclear Waste Management: Key Attributes, Challenges, and Costs for the Yucca Mountain Repository and Two Potential Alternatives. Diane Publishing. 2010. Nevada Nuclear Waste Office . Current Status of the Yucca Mountain Project. 2015. Ritcey, A.C., and Wu, Y.S. Evaluation of the Effect of Future Climate Change on the Distribution and Movement of Moisture in the Unsaturated Zone at Yucca Mountain, NY. Journal of Contaminant Hydrology 38, pp. 257-279. 1999. Storey Woodrow and Kelley , Mary. Twentieth-century Texas: A Social and Cultural History. University of North Texas Press, 2008. Texas commission on environmental quality ( TCEQ). Draft Environmental and Safety Analysis of a Proposed Low-Level Radioactive Waste Disposal Facility in Andrews County, Texas.2008. The environmental protection Agency, 2014. National Research Council.2006. Improving the Regulation and Management of Low-Activity Radioactive Wastes. National Academies Press. P 151. Read More