Regional Aquifer
The Agency for Nuclear Projects research has shown that groundwater flow is controlled by faults and fractures underlying the site. These processes are active and have the potential to change rapidly in reaction to tectonic processes such as earthquakes, fault movement, or volcanic activity (Agency for Nuclear Projects, 1997).
These tectonic processes may adjust the properties of groundwater flow systems that could lead to realignment of their flow. (State of Nevada, 1997).
The Agency for Nuclear Projects research found that pumping of the regional carbonate aquifer could adversely impact a natural barrier to radionuclide migration at the site (Agency for Nuclear Projects, 1997).