Site Characterization
Site characterization is an exploratory field program designed to provide sufficient geo-scientific information to support the case that a deep geological repository (DGR) can be safely constructed and can be relied upon to effectively contain radionuclides for many subsequent millennia. Among the many necessary pre-conditions, the host rock formations must be geo-mechanically suitable for repository construction, geologically stable, and hydrogeologically stagnant, over geological time.
In site characterization, the majority of detailed geo-mechanical, geological, and hydrogeological information is collected by way of boreholes drilled deep into the earth: to the disposal horizon and beyond. Information on drill bit progress, drill fluid circulation, recovered core, and in-situ stress must all be collected during drilling. Following drilling, hydraulic testing and geophysical logging is conducted on the open boreholes, and a vast array of tests must be conducted on the recovered rock core samples, all with the aim of determining the physical and chemical properties of the rock. Finally, boreholes must be completed with instrumentation designed to allow for the collection of fluid samples and pressures at discrete intervals along the borehole. The field program must be conducted according to strict quality control protocols, and the collected information must be managed in such a way that it can be synthesized into a coherent geoscientific model and be available for re-interpretation in the future.
With experience dating from the 1970 to the present day, Intera’s capabilities in site characterization for radioactive waste disposal are significant and far-reaching. Given its inherent complexity, and the degree to which it is at the cutting edge of geo-science and engineering, site characterization must be informed by the wider community. With experience in Canada, United States, Switzerland, France, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, England and Japan, Intera maintains the necessary connections.
Intera’s recent experience in site characterization involves first the development of and then the implementation of the Geoscientific Site Characterization Plan for Ontario Power Generation’s Deep Geologic Repository, proposed for the long-term storage of low and intermediate level nuclear waste at a depth of 680 metres near Kincardine, Ontario. The GSCP involved surface geophysical characterization techniques, as well as the drilling, sampling, instrumentation, and monitoring of 4 vertical and 2 inclined boreholes through the deep Paleozoic sequence. A significant task was the design of novel hydraulic test equipment and analysis methods to determine the extremely low permeabilities of the limestones and shales at and surrounding the proposed repository.
Project examples of site characterization activities undertaken by Intera include:
- Review of Radionuclide Screening Model and Safety Assessment Scoping Model for a Used Fuel Disposal Facility, for Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
- Design of Multiple-Packer Monitoring Casings for Deep Boreholes in Sedimentary Rocks, for Ontario Hydro
- Interpretation of Deep Borehole Hydraulic Tests - Darlington Generating Station, for Ontario Hydro
- Deep Borehole Hydraulic Testing - Lakeview Generating Station, for Ontario Hydro
- Inventory and Assessment of Underground Openings in Sedimentary Rock, for Ontario Hydro
- Hydrogeological Characterization of the East Bull Lake Research Area for Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL)
- Hydraulic Characterization of a Small Groundwater Flow System in Fractured Monzonite Gneiss, for AECL
Intera News & Updates
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22/03/2010 Intera wins 3-year contract for gas transport modelling of the Lasgit Experiment (Large Scale Gas Injection Test).
12/02/2010
3 years and 5000 metres later: drilling at DGR is now complete.
25/02/2010
Dr. Robert Walsh provides mView and TOUGH2 training to Nippon-Koei Research Division in Tsukuba-shi, Japan.
28/01/2010
New Website released.
