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The Wipp Pre-Disposal Phase Experimental Program

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 September 2012

M. L. Matthews*
Affiliation:
Office of Regulatory Compliance, U.S. Department of Energy, Carlsbad Area Office, P.O. Box 3090, Carlsbad, NM 88221–3090, matthem@wipp.carlsbad.nm.us
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Abstract

The WIPP is a transuranic waste disposal project of the U.S. Department ofEnergy and administered by the Carlsbad Area Office. The WIPP facility is amined repository located near Carlsbad, New Mexico. It was developed andconstructed 658 meters below the surface to demonstrate the safe, permanentisolation of transuranic radioactive wastes in a bedded salt formation.After the site selection phase and construction phase were completed, DOEembarked upon a pre-disposal experimental program phase. There are fourmajor WIPP experimental program areas: shaft seals and rock mechanics;disposal room interactions; fluid flow and transport; and direct releasesdue to human intrusion.

The Pre-Disposal Phase Experimental Program provided the necessaryinformation to support the WIPP performance assessment process. The resultsof the program have been instrumental in demonstrating that the WIPP meetsthe regulatory requirements.

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Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1997

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References

REFERENCES

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