Site Characterization Projects
Hydrogeologic Characterization
The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) was constructed and now operates as a geologic repository for the disposal of defense-generated transuranic wastes. Geologically, the storage facility is constructed in a thick bedded salt layer and overlain by regional fractured dolomitic aquifers. From 1986 to 1996, INTERA was contracted by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) to conduct field hydrogeological characterization, data documentation, data interpretation, and modeling in support of site characterization and performance assessment of the site and underground facility for long-term waste isolation. We were responsible for performing much of the field characterization and groundwater modeling used to support the 1996 license application for the facility to be approved as a repository. Our efforts included conducting deep borehole permeability tests and tracer tests on the Culebra dolomite aquifer, the most transmissive unit of the Rustler Formation and the principal potential off-site pathway in the event the WIPP repository is breached. We also performed a comprehensive hydraulic testing program to characterize the far-field hydrogeologic properties and the disturbed rock zone that developed after excavating the WIPP underground facility, conducted and interpreted hydraulic tests (pulse-injection tests) in low-permeability halite, anhydrite, mudstones, and claystones at various depths in the waste-handling and air intake shafts, and fielded a large-scale brine inflow test and gas threshold-pressure tests in the underground repository. INTERA continues to provide hydrogeological characterization and environmental monitoring services in support of the ongoing WIPP operations and periodic license renewal activities.
Geoscientific Site Characterization
Ontario Power Generation is working to design, construct, license, and operate a deep geologic repository (DGR) for the long-term storage of low and intermediate level radioactive waste on lands adjacent to the Western Waste Management Facility in Kincardine, Ontario. The DGR will be located 2,150 feet below the surface, beneath very thick layers of limestone and shale rock that have remained geologically stable for more than 450 million years. In 2005, INTERA developed a detailed site characterization plan to define test and data collection programs to support the development of the proposed DGR. Since 2006, we have served as the lead site characterization contractor responsible for implementing the site characterization plan. INTERA, in conjunction with SNL, has designed and built the hydrogeologic test tool that will be used for testing the shale and limestone formations. Drilling and borehole hydraulic testing started in early 2007, and the testing and geosynthesis phases will continue over a 5-year period.
Hydrogeologic Borehole Testing
From 1996 to 2000, INTERA conducted and interpreted hydrogeologic tests in support of ANDRAs site characterization program for the deep disposal of radioactive wastes. We used the INTERA-developed well-test simulator, GTFM (code was later enhanced and renamed nSights), to perform the well test interpretation and sensitivity analyses. The ANDRA program was designed to evaluate four potentially suitable sites for development of an underground research laboratory. At each location, potential host repository formations were drilled, cored, and tested to establish hydrogeologic properties. The data obtained from these investigations represent the fundamentally undisturbed, pre-drilling conditions. A clay site at Bure was selected for construction of the underground research laboratory. Since 2001, INTERA has been providing scientific input and review for developing test and equipment specifications for the permeability testing and pressure measurement experiments being designed for the underground research laboratory that is currently being constructed. We have also provided review of head and permeability results from testing in deep boreholes drilled from ground surface.
