In researching
the option of deep geologic disposal,
scientists considered various geologic
media in which to locate a repository,
including salt, volcanic rock (such
as basalt and tuff), and crystalline
rock (such as granite).
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During the early eighties,
the Department of Energy looked
at many potential sites for
a repository. Considering a
wide range of criteria, the
sites selected for further
study were narrowed down to
nine, then from nine to five,
from five to three, and eventually
from three to one – Yucca
Mountain. (click to enlarge).
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For example, one Department
of Energy program examined
areas underlain by crystalline
rocks in 17 eastern and mid-western
states.
In 1983, the U.S. Department of
Energy selected nine candidate sites
for the first geologic repository:
Vacherie Dome, Louisiana (salt dome);
Richton Dome, Mississippi (salt dome);
Cyprus Creek Dome, Mississippi (salt
dome); Deaf Smith County, Texas (bedded
salt); Swisher County, Texas (bedded
salt); Davis Canyon, Utah (bedded
salt); Lavender Canyon, Utah (bedded
salt); Yucca Mountain, Nevada (volcanic
tuff); and Hanford, Washington (basalt).
In 1986, the U.S. Department of
Energy nominated five sites as suitable
for study and recommended three of
the sites to the President. The President
approved three sites for further
study: Yucca Mountain, Nevada; Deaf
Smith County, Texas; and Hanford,
Washington.
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