Publications Details
Status of WIPP compliance with EPA 40 CFR 191, December 1990 SAND90-2424C
Sandia National Laboratories is conducting performance assessments for the United States Department of Energy to use in evaluating compliance of the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant with EPA 40 CFR 191, Subpart B. Performance assessment is an iterative process that will lead to final compliance evaluation in 1994 or later. Monte Carlo simulations examine modeling system sensitivity to the probability of intrusion and uncertainty in the transport model for the overlying water-bearing unit. Simulations of two-phase (gas and brine) flow indicate gas generation may substantially reduce brine saturation in the waste, limiting radionuclide transport. All results are preliminary and are not suitable for evaluating compliance. Results suggest, however, that compliance can be achieved.