93 



Question 11. How long can we reasonably expect the sediment to contain radionu- 

 clides? 



Answer. This depends on whether or not sediments remain stable, as discussed in 

 response to question 9, and on the tendency for nuclides to be adsorbed onto 

 sediment surfaces. Work is proceeding to determine how adsorption is affected by 

 heat and pressure and by the chemical form of the nuclide. If the overlying clay 

 sediment remains stable, nuclides must diffuse through interstitial water while 

 maintaining adsorption equilibrium with the sediment. It has been estimated that 

 nuclides that leak from a canister at depths more than 30m into sediment may not 

 reach the sea floor for more than one million years. 



Question 12. What happens when radionuclides leak from the sediments? 



Answer. They are subject to adsorption onto sediment, diffusion through intersti- 

 tial water, possibly biological uptake if near enough to the surface and, once into 

 the water column, to oceanic diffusion and advection. 



Question 13. Does NOAA plan to involve the public in their analysis program? 



Answer. Should it be determined that NOAA is to play a more active role in this 

 analysis, full public participation at significant stages would be planned. It is noted 

 that public participation has been provided for a draft EIS by DOE that includes 

 discussion of the seabed option. 



Question 14- What research needs to be completed? What is the time frame for 

 research programs? 



Answer. What is required is greater technical development of canister implanta- 

 tion and retrieval techniques, knowledge on the effect of heat on sediment stability, 

 knowledge on biological paths for nuclide migration, and some more data on nuclide 

 adsorption. It is estimated by DOE that a demonstration project of seabed disposal 

 could be inaugurated in ten years. 



Question 15. Under P.L. 95-273, does NOAA need additional funding in order to 

 improve its coordination of the Federal research effort regarding the sub-seabed 

 emplacement option. 



Answer. There is no need for additional funding under P.L. 95-273 to coordinate 

 the Federal research effort. Funding is needed, to accelerate the research efforts 

 required. 



Question 16. What should be NOAA's role in seabed disposal of radioactive waste? 



Answer. The NOAA Science and Services Policy Group is considering the appro- 

 priate role for NOAA In the investigation of ocean disposal of radioactive waste. 

 NOAA could play a supportive role to the technology planned for this disposal 

 method. NOAA has the expertise to investigate the physics and chemistry of nuclide 

 migration in sediments and in the ocean; the biological uptake and migration of 

 nuclides; and disposal site surveying, selection and monitoring. 



Question 17. Are other nations doing research on the sub-seabed emplacement 

 option? 



Answer. European nations are concerned with possible ocean disposal of high- 

 level radioactive waste, but their commitment to study of the sub-seabed option is 

 not £is strong, as that of the U.S. 



[Whereupon, at 10:47 a.m., the subcommittee adjourned, subject 

 to the call of the Chair.] 



