Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Characterization of seepage in the exploratory studies facility, Yucca Mountain, Nevada

January 1, 2006

Following a 5-month period of above-average precipitation during the winter of 2004-2005, water was observed seeping into the South Ramp section of the Exploratory Studies Facility of the proposed repository for high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain, Nevada. Samples of the seepage were collected and analyzed for major ions, trace metals, and delta deuterium and delta oxygen-18 values in an effort to characterize the water and assess the interaction of seepage with anthropogenic materials used in the construction of the proposed repository. As demonstrated by the changes in the chemistry of water dripping from a rock bolt, interaction of seepage with construction materials can alter solution chemistry and oxidation state.

Publication Year 2006
Title Characterization of seepage in the exploratory studies facility, Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Authors T.A. Oliver, J. F. Whelan
Publication Type Conference Paper
Publication Subtype Conference Paper
Index ID 70028697
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse