The goal for
a geologic repository at Yucca Mountain
is to isolate nuclear waste from people
and the environment for tens of thousands
of years.
As long as the waste stays in solid form and remains
deep underground, it will not be harmful because layers
of rock and dirt will shield its radiation.
However, if enough water contacted the waste, over time
it could break it down into microscopic radioactive
particles and then carry the particles into the
environment. Therefore, our strategy is to keep the
waste as dry as possible for as long as possible.
The Yucca Mountain repository will rely on natural and engineered systems to
prevent radioactive materials from escaping
into the environment.
The natural system includes features such as the rock and groundwater. The
engineered system involves man-made features.
The systems will work together to protect people and
the environment.
