UNSAT-H infiltration model calibration at the Subsurface Disposal Area, Idaho National Engineering Laboratory

Analogues to features and processes of a high-level radioactive waste repository proposed for Yucca Mountain, Nevada

“…Dissimilarities in fracture patterns, local recharge, the amount of organic matter, and fracture-filling materials that influence the type of fracture flow exist between the hydrogeologic settings at the SDA and Yucca Mountain (Barraclough and others, 1976;Martian, 1995;Magnuson and Sondrup, 1998;Knutson and others, 1990). These dissimilarities need to be taken into account when radionuclide migration in the unsaturated zone at the SDA is used as an analogue for how radionuclides could migrate in the unsaturated zone at Yucca Mountain.…”

“…Infiltration rates within the SDA have been estimated to be higher than the background infiltration rates because of accumulation of snow within the SDA. Infiltration rates within the SDA have averaged between 6 and 10 cm/yr since 1952 (Martian, 1995). Perched water has been contacted by boreholes within the SDA at depths that correspond roughly to the tops of the sedimentary interbeds (Rightmire and Lewis, 1987b).…”

Summary of Conceptual Models and Data Needs to Support the INL Remote-Handled Low-Level Waste Disposal Facility Performance Assessment and Composite Analysis

“…This information will be used in evaluating the proposed INTEC site.  Infiltration data -Analyses quantifying net infiltration have been performed for disturbed conditions at INL's INTEC and RWMC (Martian 1995) and for undisturbed and vegetated conditions (Cecil et al 1992). These data are applicable for the proposed RH-LLW site when infiltration is not being controlled by the cover.…”

INEEL Subregional Conceptual Model Report Volume 3: Summary of Existing Knowledge of Natural and Anthropogenic Influences on the Release of Contaminants to the Subsurface Environment from Waste Source Terms at the INEEL

“…Local topography and soil characteristics also control infiltration. Martian (1995) analyzed the moisture data obtained from the NATs between 1986 and 1996 to estimate variable infiltration rates across the SDA. These estimated infiltration rates were used in the IRA and the ABRA.…”

“…The background infiltration rate outside of the SDA was 1 cm/yr. Infiltration rates within the SDA ranged from 0.64 to 24.1 cm/yr (Martian 1995), with a spatial average of 8.5 cm/yr. The cumulative volume of modeled infiltration at the SDA is approximately 27.8 acre-ft/yr .…”