Research Projects

Effects of Climate Variability on DOE Long-Term Cover Performance

PI: Saxon Sharpe

Project Period: 2000 - 2002

Funded by: U.S. Department of Energy

Right: Monitoring equipment at the DOE CERCLA site, Monticello, Utah.

Keywords: long term cover, climate change, waste disposal

Project Description

This project described long-term environmental changes that would be important in assessing the performance of a low-level radioactive waste disposal site near Monticello, Utah. Sites such as this needed to be engineered to keep contaminants from escaping into the environment; therefore, processes and long-term changes in climate, soil hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology needed to be considered in disposal site design and performance monitoring.

Associated Publications

Waugh, J., S. Link, E. McDonald, D. Rhode, and S. Sharpe (2003)

Characterization of the Environmental Envelope for the Design of Long-Term Covers: Closeout Report. GJO-2003-485-TAC, Environmental Sciences Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Grand Junction, CO.

Sharpe et al. (2001)

Work Plan for Natural and Archaeological Analog Studies at the CERCLA Waste Disposal Cell, Monticello, Utah.

Sharpe, S.E., Whelan, J.F., Forester, R.M., and Burdett, J. (1995)

Snails, Stable Isotopes, and Southwestern Desert Paleoclimates. (abstract) In Proceedings: Climate Change in the Four Corners and Adjacent Regions: Implications for Environmental Restoration and Land-Use Planning. NTIS Conf-9409325. Grand Junction, CO.

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