This report is published as a product of the National Waste Terminal Storage (NWTS) program. The objective of this program is the development of terminal waste storage facilities in deep, stable geologic formations for high-level nuclear wastes, including spent fuel elements from commercial power reactors and transuranic nuclear waste for which the federal government is responsible. Pertinent environmental and geological information for the Gulf Interior Region (GIR) is summarized, including physical, biological, and cultural characteristics of the. region.

The purpose of this document is to provide a summary of the environmental impact statement for the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) project. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the WIPP was published by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in April 1979. This document was reviewed and commented on by members of the general public, private organizations, and governmental agencies. The Final Environmental Impact Statement was subsequently published in October, 1980.

Dealing with the problems posed by nuclear waste management is a major issue confronting continued use of the nuclear fuel cycle. Large amounts of radioactive wastes have already been generated as a result of past nuclear reactor operations, but these wastes are being temporarily kept in aboveground storage facilities awaiting a government policy decision on final disposition. Although research on various technologies to dispose of radioactive wastes is given high priority, a commercial waste disposal facility is not expected to be in operation before 1985.

This report presents the results of our mining, geological<br/>and geotechnical studies provided in support of the development<br/>of site suitability criteria for the high level waste<br/>repository. This work was performed in accordance with our<br/>unsolicited proposal to LLL dated January 1977 and authorized<br/>by the University Purchase Order 6115603.