| Waste Isolation Pilot Plant |
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| united states department of energy | |
| radioactive waste repositories | |
| waste treatment technology | |
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Waste that is to be disposed of at the location must meet certain "waste acceptance criteria". WIPP is unsuited for high level radioactive waste as its high heat attracts water which would lead to rapid corrosion of the waste packages, and the dissolution of the waste into the salty water. The containers can also only contain a limited amount of liquids. The energy released from radioactive materials will dissociate water into hydrogen and oxygen. This could then create a potentially explosive environment inside the container. The containers must be vented, as well, to prevent this from happening. Because drilling or excavation in the area will be hazardous long after the area is being actively used, there are plans to construct markers to deter inadvertent human intrusion for the next ten thousand years. After more than 20 years of scientific study, public input, and regulatory struggles, WIPP began operations on March 26, 1999. SEE ALSO REFERENCES
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