Publications Details

Comparisons of release probabilities obtained in recent WIPP performance assessments

Camphouse, Russell C.; Clayton, Daniel J.; Lee, Moo Y.

The U.S. Department of Energy has developed the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in southeastern New Mexico for the geologic disposal of transuranic waste. Performance assessment is the analysis methodology used to demonstrate that WIPP radionuclide release probabilities fall below limits designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ensuring the protection of the public and environment. The most recent WIPP PA demonstrates that cumulative releases continue to lie entirely below specified limits. Therefore, WIPP continues to be in compliance with containment requirements. Analysis of the results shows that total releases are dominated by radionuclide releases that could occur during an inadvertent penetration of the repository by a future drilling operation. The natural and engineered barrier systems of the WIPP provide robust and effective containment of transuranic waste even if the repository is penetrated by multiple borehole intrusions.