Results of a Demonstration and Other Studies of the Disposal of High Level Solidified, Radioactive Wastes in a Salt Mine

Abstract

The radioactive phase of the demonstration disposal of high-level radioactive wastes in a salt mine was completed by the end of June 1967. The remainder of the mine experiments were terminated, and The Carey Salt Company's Lyons, Kansas, mine was placed on a standby basis, beginning February 1968. During the 19-month operation of the radioactive demonstration, the average dose to the salt over the length of the radioactive container holes was about 8 x lo8 rads, and the peak dose was about lo9 rads. A study of the economics of disposal-in-salt was completed. The calculated cost per kilowatt-hour of electricity generated ranged from about 20 x lop3 to 2 x mill for wastes aged 1 yr and 30 yr, respectively. To summarize, it may be said that most of the major technical problems regarding disposal in salt have been resolved. The feasibility and safety of handling highly radioactive materials in an underground environment have been demonstrated. The stability of the salt under the effects of heat and radiation was shown, as well as the capability of solving minor structural problems by standard mining techniques. The data obtained on the creep and plastic flow characteristics of the salt should make it possible to arrive at a suitable mine design for a disposal facility. A study of the economics of disposal in salt mines indicates that this method will be compatible with competitive nuclear power. All of these items combined leads one to the conclusion that burial in salt mines is one of the better, if not the best, methods for the ultimate disposal of high-level solidified wastes.