Analysis of the MUA Decision Methodology for HLW Repository Siting: Preclosure Utilities

Utilities and ranking of the preclosure attributes of the proposed high-level radioactive waste repository are examined, in order to provide insights into the propriety of using this approach for this type of decision and an assessment of the adequacy of the analysis itself. The postclosure utilities obtained in the previous study were greater than 80% for all five sites considered, but showed a greater spread than those in the MUA. The preclosure multiattribute utilities also show a wider spread than in the MUA. The multiattribute utilities are driven by factors in addition to cost of construction; in the MUA, cost of construction is the driver.