Using Geologic Conditions and Multiattribute Decision Analysis to Determine the Relative Favorability of selected Areas for Siting a High-level Radioactive Waste Repository

A method is presented for determining the relative favorability<br/>of geologically complex areas for isolating high-level<br/>radioactive wastes. In applying the method to the northeastern region<br/>of the United States, seismieity and tectonic activity were the<br/>screening criteria used to divide the region into three areas of<br/>increasing seismotectonic risk. The following criteria, specified by<br/>the U.S. Department of Energy&#39;s National Waste Terminal Storage<br/>Program, were then used to subdivide the area of lowest seismotectonic<br/>risk into six geologically distinct subareas: geologic<br/>characteristics, surface-water and groundwater hydrology, potential<br/>human intrusion, site geometry, surface characteristics, and tectonic<br/>environment. Criteria related to land ownership, demographics,<br/>environmental protection, and socioeconomic consequences were not<br/>considered.<br/>Decision analysis was then used to identify the subareas most<br/>favorable from a geologic standpoint for further investigation, with a<br/>view to selecting a site for a repository. Three subareas (parts of<br/>northeastern Vermont, northern New Hampshire, and western Maine)<br/>were found to be the most favorable, using this method and existing<br/>data. However, because this study assessed relative geologic<br/>favorability, no conclusions should be drawn concerning the absolute<br/>suitability of individual subareas for high-level radioactive waste<br/>isolation. The role of decision analysis could be expanded to consider<br/>relevant nongeologic screening variables.