Abstract
Yucca Mountain, located in Nevada, is the potential geologic repository designed to store and dispose of nuclear waste. Yucca Mountain has a relatively deep water table (approximately 500 m), low average rainfall (6-7” per year), and low population (approximately 30,000 people within a 55 mile radius)(State of Nevada, 1997). Significant flaws, such as five volcanic centers within a 10 mile radius (Yogodzinski & Smith, 1995), 32 known fault lines, (State of Nevada, 1997) aquifers, and recent seismic activity make it unsuitable for the 10,000 year isolation period (Agency for Nuclear Projects, 1997).
Studies conducted by the EPA prior to 1998, determined that tectonic processes influence regional hydrologic systems. Faults and fractures controlling the flow of ground water through the rock underlying the site change rapidly and could contaminate water sources used for drinking and agriculture (EPA, 1998) The possibility of future climate changes elevating water table levels in and around the site are known to happen historically.(YMP, 2001).
The possibility of extracting energy and mineral resources could attract future human intervention (Agency for Nuclear Projects, 1997).
Negative economic impacts to Nevada such as estimated residential and commercial decline, loss of tourism, and tax dollars due to installation of the repository (State of Nevada: Socioeconomic Studies, 1997), could result in a net projected fiscal shortfall of $40.5 million. In surveys, over 75% of Nevadans oppose the projects (State of Nevada, 1997).