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Final Report: Nevada System Of Higher Education Quality Assurance Program, Nevada System Of Higher Education

Publications (YM)

The principal purpose of the cooperative agreement was to develop and continue providing the public and the Office of Repository Development (ORD) of the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) with an independently derived, unbiased body of scientific and engineering data concerning the study of Yucca Mountain as a potential high-level radioactive waste repository. Under this agreement, the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE), formerly the University and Community CollegeSystem of Nevada (UCCSN), performed scientific and engineering research, and maintained and fostered collaborative working relationships between government and academic researchers. In performing these activities, …

Groundwater Characterization At Yucca Mountain Task 2: Surface Complexation And Solid Phase Sorption, Kenneth Czerwinski, Anthony Hechanova, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

The purpose and scope of this report is to present an overview of the experiments, methods, results, and conclusions from research performed for the project “Groundwater Characterization at Yucca Mountain Task 2: Surface Complexation and Solid Phase Dissolution”. The impact of surface complexation, alteration phase formation, and solution competition with metal ions on the solubility and speciation of actinide elements (U, Pu, Np) will be examined. In particular the role of iron (as Fe2+ and Fe3+) and silicate (as SO3 2-) concentrations on speciation, solubility, sorption, and secondary phase formation of actinides will be investigated. While a large body of …

Procedure Records Management, S. A. Morris, R. Szatmary Jr.

Publications (YM)

This procedure describes the process for the identification, creation, maintenance, and disposition of Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) records. This procedure also describes the process for maintaining the OCRWM records retention and disposition information. Processes for special handling of record categories and media types are addressed in Attachment 1, Special Handling Requirements for Records.

Basic Research Needs For Geosciences: Facilitating 21st Century Energy Systems, U.S. Department Of Energy, Office Of Basic Energy Sciences, Donald J. Depaolo, Franklin M. Orr Jr.

Publications (YM)

Executive Summary

Serious challenges must be faced in this century as the world seeks to meet global energy needs and at the same time reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Even with a growing energy supply from alternative sources, fossil carbon resources will remain in heavy use and will generate large volumes of carbon dioxide (CO₂). To reduce the atmospheric impact of this fossil energy use, it is necessary to capture and sequester a substantial fraction of the produced CO₂. Subsurface geologic formations offer a potential location for long-term storage of the requisite large …

Characterization Of Microbial Populations In The Subsurface, Mark P. Buttner, Patricia Cruz, Klaus J. Stetzenbach, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

This task is part of a cooperative agreement between the UNLV Research Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy (#DE-FC28-04RW12237) titled “Yucca Mountain Groundwater Characterization”. The work was conducted in the Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies, Microbiology Division of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas from October 1, 2004 to September 30, 2006. The overall goal of this research was to investigate the phenomena that affect the fate and transport of radionuclides in the environment. The purpose of this task (ORD-RF-01), “Characterization of Microbial Activity”, was to develop a molecular biological method for the characterization of the microbial population …

Precarious Rock Methodology For Seismic Hazard: Physical Testing, Numerical Modeling, And Coherence Studies, Rasool Anooshehpoor, James N. Brune, Amy J. Smiecinski, Raymond E. Keeler

Publications (YM)

The precarious rock methodology used for seismic hazard assessment includes location, age dating, field measurements of the quasi-static toppling acceleration of balanced rocks, and study of their dynamic response to realistic strong motion seismograms using numerical modeling. The work scope is contained in the task description issued by the DOE to the Seismology Laboratory of the University of Nevada, Reno and is itemized in section 2.3 below. In addition, measurement of the coherence of seismic energy at high frequencies, critical to the understanding of the variability of high frequency ground motions at the repository level, will be estimated based on …

Precarious Rock Methodology For Seismic Hazard: Physical Testing, Numerical Modeling And Coherence Studies, Rasool Anooshehpoor, Matthew D. Purvance, James N. Brune, Leiph A. Preston, John G. Anderson, Ken Smith, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

This report covers the following projects: Shake table tests of precarious rock methodology, field tests of precarious rocks at Yucca Mountain and comparison of the results with PSHA predictions, study of the coherence of the wave field in the ESF, and a limited survey of precarious rocks south of the proposed repository footprint. A series of shake table experiments have been carried out at the University of Nevada, Reno Large Scale Structures Laboratory. The bulk of the experiments involved scaling acceleration time histories (uniaxial forcing) from 0.1g to the point where the objects on the shake table overturned a specified …

Extreme Ground Motion Studies, John G. Anderson, James N. Brune, Amy J. Smiecinski, Raymond E. Keeler

Publications (YM)

This project consists of two separate investigations into extreme ground motions due to seismic events. First, it includes field studies of geological formations that should put an upper bound on extreme ground motions that have happened at the site of the formations. The locations are critically selected to provide the most effective constraints possible on the validity of the probabilistic seismic hazard analysis for Yucca Mountain. Second, this project surveys recorded ground motions from around the world, and aims to draw general conclusions from these as to the conditions where extreme ground motions are observed.

Geostatistical And Stochastic Study Of Radio Nuclide Transport In The Unsaturated Zone At Yucca Mountain, Ming Ye, Amy J. Smiecinski, Raymond E. Keeler

Publications (YM)

The U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board [Cohon et al. 1998] evaluated the technical and scientific validity of activities undertaken by the Secretary of Energy to characterize Yucca Mountain, Nevada, for its suitability as an underground repository in which to store high-level radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel. In the report, the Board pinpointed that the study on groundwater flow and radionuclide transport in the saturated and unsaturated zones below Yucca Mountain should, over the next several years, focus on reducing prediction uncertainty. In its 2002, the Board repeated this concern by stating, “… hydrogeologic processes that affect radionuclide transport …

Occurrence Reporting And Processing Of Operations Information, M. Ruiz, W. J. Arthur Iii

Publications (YM)

This procedure defines how to accomplish the following: • Establish the functional roles and responsibilities for the YMP Occurrence Report process • Identify reportable conditions and events affecting YMP • Notify appropriate management •Process decisions and actions relative to the reportable occurrence • Document the reportable occurrence and all relevant actions

Results Of Chemical Analyses For Alcove 8/ Niche 3 Tracer Studies, Jeanette Daniels, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

This is the final report detailing the analyses performed under ORD-FY04-011 "Chemical Analyses for Alcove 8/Niche 3 Tracer Studies," The work was performed under The University and Community College System of Nevada (UCCSN) and the Department of Energy (DOE) Cooperative Agreement DE-FC28-04RW12232, This task provided method development and analytical support for the Alcove 8/Niche 3 Tracer Studies in the Exploratory Studies Facility (ESF). Concentrations of tracers as well as major anions and cations were reported for samples provided by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) and the US Geological Survey (USGS). Samples were analyzed using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and …

Determining The Redox Properties Of Yucca Mountain-Related Groundwater Using Trace Element Speciation For Predicting The Mobility Of Nuclear Waste, James Cizdziel, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

The objective of this task is to determine the principal oxidation state (redox) species of select elements in samples of groundwater in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain (YM), which is being evaluated as a site for geologic storage of the nation’s spent nuclear fuel and high-level nuclear waste. Samples to be analyzed include, but are not limited to, groundwater from wells of the Nye County Early Warning Drilling Program. Elements to be studied include arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), selenium (Se), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), tungsten (W), rhenium (Re), and uranium (U). The …

Second Generation Waste Package Design Study, Sam Armijo, Mano Misra

Publications (YM)

The design of waste packages currently proposed for YMP is highly conservative. The candidate materials of construction of the waste packages and drip shields while highly corrosion resistant are extremely expensive and components made from these materials will require complex and expensive fabrication methods to assure their integrity. A proposed, second generation operating concept and waste package design, is intended to permit more efficient and less costly operation of the repository while maintaining waste package integrity. Major reductions in waste package costs can be realized by increasing the number of fuel assemblies stored in each waste package, eliminating the reference …

Yucca Mountain Saturated Zone Carbon-14, James Thomas, Drew Coleman, Raymond E. Keeler, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

This Scientific Investigation Plan (SIP) provides an overview of the work described in “Yucca Mountain Saturated Zone Carbon-14”, a proposal funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Repository Development under the UCCSN/YMP Co-op in support of the Science and Technology Initiatives. The objective of this work is to provide improved estimates of the time required for ground water to travel from the site of the proposed high-level radioactive waste repository at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, to the accessible environment.

Impact Of Alteration Phase Formation And Microbial Activity On The Fate And Transport Of The Actinides And Fission Products: Alteration Phase Analysis, James Cizdziel, Klaus J. Stetzenbach, Thomas Williams, Abe Van Luik

Publications (YM)

The study of the behavior and movement of radionuclides in the environment is significant to many projects of interest to Southern Nevada, especially for the proposed Yucca Mountain Repository, as well as to the nation-wide issues of radiological releases from a variety of scenarios. Understanding and predicting the release, transport, and fate of radionuclides, particularly the actinide elements, in the Mojave/Great Basin geology is an extremely challenging, multi-faceted problem. In support of the national program to deepen our understanding of the behavior of radionuclides in the environment and to better predict the performance of a geological repository at Yucca Mountain, …

Characterization Of Microbial Activity, Mark P. Buttner, Patricia Cruz, Klaus J. Stetzenbach, Abe Van Luik, Thomas Williams, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

The overall goal of this study is to investigate the phenomena that affect the fate and transport of radionuclides in the environment. The objective of this task, “Characterization of Microbial Activity”, is to develop a molecular biological method for the characterization of the microbial population indigenous to the Yucca Mountain Project site, with emphasis in detection and measurement of species or groups of microorganisms that could be involved in actinide and/or metal reduction, and subsurface transport. Subtasks consist of QA planning and preparation, and literature review. This task is part of a cooperative agreement between the UNLV Research Foundation and …

Sub-Surface Corrosion Research On Rock Bolt System, Perforated Ss Sheets And Steel Sets For The Yucca Mountain Repository, Dhanesh Chandra, Jaak J.K. Daemen, Jaime Gonzalez, Raymond Keeler, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

The objective of the proposed investigation is to conduct corrosion research and predict the durability of rock-bolts and other underground metallic roof supports. In critical areas, it is possible to use highly corrosion resistant steels for rock bolts at Yucca Mountain (YM) repository, as the steel rock bolts, as well as other materials such as Bernold type shields for tunnels at YM site [1-4]. In addition, there is propensity for stress corrosion cracking as well as hydrogen induced cracking in rock bolts likely to occur in YM repository emplacement under drift conditions. As corrosion of these materials for underground support …

Chemical Analyses In Support Of Yucca Mountain Studies, Jeanette Daniels, Klaus J. Stetzenbach, Drew Coleman, Amy J. Smiecinski, Raymond E. Keeler

Publications (YM)

The objective of this task “Chemical Analyses in Support of Yucca Mountain Studies” is to provide the Department of Energy (DOE) with data and reports from comprehensive chemical analyses of waters sampled from the wells of the Nye County Early Warning Drilling Program (NCEWDP), the Inyo County’s Drilling Program, and the Nye county Tracer Test. In addition, this task will be used to provide other laboratory support needs as they arise within the Yucca Mountain Project. This support is provided by the Harry Reid Center for Environmental Studies (HRC) at University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), which is part of …

Environmental Effects On Corrosion Properties Of Alloy 22, K. S. Raja, L. G. Mcmillion, Shantanu A. Namjoshi, Paige Russel, Raymond E. Keeler, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

During the regulatory life of the Yucca Mountain High Level Nuclear Waste (HLNW) repository the primary engineered barrier that is to prevent release of radioactive material into the environment is proposed to be a Corrosion-Resistant Material (CRM) outer shell covering the Waste Package (WP) container. The current selection for the CRM is Alloy 22 (UNS N06022), a Ni-Cr-Mo-W-Fe alloy. Alloy 22 forms a defective chromic oxide passive film which results in excellent corrosion resistance; the presence of molybdenum in Alloy 22 offers corrosion resistance in reducing environments as well as oxidizing environments.

Groundwater Flow And Thermal Modeling To Support A Preferred Conceptual Model For The Large Hydraulic Gradient North Of Yucca Mountain, Phil Oberlander, Greg Pohll, Drew Coleman, Raymond E. Keeler, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

This task will create a two-dimensional, saturated zone, vertical cross-section model of groundwater flow and thermal transport through the large hydraulic gradient (LHG). This model is referenced herein as the thermal model. The scope of this study is limited to presenting a postulated hydrogeologic configuration of the LHG. The conceptualization will include the use of postulated hydrogeologic structures and material properties. The thermal model will be spatially limited to the area immediately upgradient and downgradient of the LHG and will not reproduce the many hydrogeologic features of the existing regional and site-scale models. The thermal model will be orientated north …

Phase Stability And Segregation In Alloy 22 Base Metal And Weldments, Jeffrey Lacombe, Shantanu A. Namjoshi, Paige Russel, Raymond E. Keeler, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

The current design of the waste disposal containers relies heavily on encasement in a multi-layered container, featuring a corrosion barrier of Alloy 22, a Ni-Cr-Mo-W based alloy with excellent corrosion resistance over a wide range of conditions. The fundamental concern from the perspective of the Yucca Mountain Project, however, is the inherent uncertainty in the (very) long-term stability of the base metal and welds. Should the properties of the selected materials change over the long service life of the waste packages, it is conceivable that the desired performance characteristics (such as corrosion reistance) will become compromised, leading to premature failure …

Long-Term Mechanical Behavior Of Yucca Mountain Tuffs, And Its Variability, Jaak J.K. Daemen, George Danko, Jaime Gonzalez, Amy J. Smiecinski, Raymond E. Keeler

Publications (YM)

We propose to continue the investigation of the long term strength of Yucca Mountain tuffs, with particular emphasis on tuffs from and near the emplacement horizon. We propose to also continue and expand the investigation of the spatial variability of rock strength and stiffness. An intrinsic component of this planned rock testing is the testing of rock joints. Although the emphasis is on tests aimed at determining long term strength, as part of the testing measurements of stiffness also are collected, and will be collected, reported, and analyzed.

In-Drift Natural Convection And Condensation, Stephen W. Webb, Phillip Rogers, John Del Mar, Darrell Svalstad, Cliff Howard, Ernest Hardin, Bechtel Saic Company, Llc

Publications (YM)

The Yucca Mountain repository configuration consists of waste packages stored inside of underground tunnels, or drifts. The waste packages generate heat due to radioactive decay, and moisture flows into and out of the drifts in liquid and vapor form. Heat and mass transfer within the drifts, including interaction with the surrounding rock, are potentially important processes for the performance of the repository. The present report documents models for in-drift heat and mass transfer during the post-closure period. Pre-closure, or ventilated, conditions are documented in a separate report (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169862]).

Influence Of Lithophysae Geometry And Distribution On Mechanical Properties Of Topopah Spring Tuff, Mohammad Shahidul Islam, Justin Fenton, Moses Karakouzian, Jaime Gonzalez, Amy J. Smiecinski, Raymond E. Keeler

Publications (YM)

The current Site Recommendation study for the proposed high level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain locates the repository emplacement drifts approximately 81% within the lower lithophysal unit of the Topopah Springs Formation (Tptpll), 4% within the upper lithophysal unit of the Topopah Springs Formation (Tptpul), and roughly 15% within the middle, non-lithophysal unit (Tptpmn) of the same formation. A major geomechanical issue facing the Yucca Mountain Project is to understand the thermomechanical behavior of lithophysal tuff, which comprises roughly 85% of the repository host rock.

A Long Baseline Laser Strainmeter For The Exploratory Studies Facility At Yucca Mountain, Frank K. Wyatt, James N. Brune, Drew Coleman, Don Baepler, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

This Scientific Investigation Plan (SIP), for work under the second Department of Energy/University and Community College System of Nevada (DOE/UCCSN) Cooperative Agreement (10/01/03), DEFC28- 04RW12232, is intended to cover the laser strainmeter operation and monitoring task being conducted by the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), under the oversight of the Nevada Seismological Laboratory of the University of Nevada-Reno (NSL/UNR). UCSD has carried out the design, engineering, and installation of the east-west laser strainmeter (LSM) currently in place in the Exploratory Studies Facility (ESF) at Yucca Mountain.

Chemical Analyses For Alcove 8/Niche 3 Tracer Studies, Jeanette Daniels, Klaus J. Stetzenbach, Drew Coleman, Don Baepler, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

The objective of this task “Analytical Support For Tracer Studies in Alcove 8 / Niche 3” is to provide chemical analyses for the tracer studies at Alcove 8 / Niche 3 in the Exploratory Studies Facilities (ESF). This analytical support includes developing procedures for measuring tracer concentrations and then performing the tracer (and other background constituent) analyses for the water samples generated from each Alcove 8 / Niche 3 tracer test. These tracer tests are part of the Flow and Seepage Testing in Alcove 8/Niche 3 (TWP-NBS-HS-000004 REV 00). The overall goal of this study is to quantify large scale …

Ground Water Level Measurements In Selected Boreholes Near The Site Of The Proposed Repository, H. Scott Page, Klaus J. Stetzenbach, Drew Coleman, Don Baepler, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

The objective of this task is to provide ground water level measurements of known accuracy and precision using manual and electronic methods. The HRC will use field-proven protocols and established implementing procedures for all aspects of data collection, analysis, management, and reporting. The water level measurements produced by this program will yield quality-assured data that can be reliably used for a variety of purposes including: continued site characterization, refinement of the local potentiometric surface, inputs to the Death Valley Regional Flow Model and related hydrologic characterization, to fulfill permit conditions issued by the State of Nevada, to monitor seismically-induced ground …

Precipitation Monitoring At Yucca Mountain, Amanda Brandt, Klaus J. Stetzenbach, Drew Coleman, Donald H. Baepler, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

This work will be conducted under Task ORD-FY04-007, “Precipitation Monitoring at Yucca Mountain”. The objective of this task is to measure, with known accuracy, the accumulation and timing of precipitation around Yucca Mountain using tipping bucket rain gauges. The data are used as part of the overall work supporting the net infiltration modeling Analysis Model Report, Simulation of Net Infiltration for Modern and Potential Future Climates, and the Performance Confirmation Plan. This work is subject to UCCSN QA program requirements. This SIP presents an independent confirmatory study supporting previously gathered information.

Yucca Mountain Climate Technical Support Representative, Saxon E. Sharpe, Dick Reinhardt, Eric Smistad, Don Baepler, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

The principal investigator (PI), Saxon Sharpe, for Task ORD-FY04-012, DOE Cooperative Agreement DE-FC28-04RW12232, will serve as Yucca Mountain Climate Technical Support Representative for the Department of Energy (DOE) in a series of activities related to past, present, and future climate for the Yucca Mountain Project (YMP) climate program.

As stated in the Viability Assessment of a Repository at Yucca Mountain: “Climate and its changes over time directly affect system performance at Yucca Mountain.” Currently, information from climate studies is used in models that support the Total System Performance Assessment and Licensing Application. It is a model component of all key …

Bomb-Pulse Chlorine-36 At The Proposed Yucca Mountain Repository Horizon: An Investigation Of Previous Conflicting Results And Collection Of New Data, Klaus J. Stetzenbach, Fred Phillips, Drew Coleman, Don Baepler, Amy J. Smiecinski

Publications (YM)

Previous studies by scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) quantified ³⁶Cl/Cl to test for the presence of fast pathways at the proposed Yucca Mountain high-level nuclear waste repository. The goal of these studies was to determine whether or not fluids containing bomb-pulse ³⁶Cl/Cl traveled along fast travel pathways and reached the repository horizon, however, the two groups followed somewhat different procedures and produced conflicting results. The objective of this study is to attempt to determine the cause of the conflicting results and to obtain additional data to determine whether or …