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has adopted a comprehensive interim planning strategy. The main 

 components of the strategy are: 



• Mined geologic repositories will be the primary focus 

 of work for safe disposal of high level radioactive 

 waste, including unreprocessed commercial spent fuel. 



• The repository program will proceed in a technically 

 conservative step-by-step manner, from the needed 

 technical evaluations, through site selection, inde- 

 pendent licensing review and ultimately to opening and 

 operating a repository. 



• Immediate attention will focus on (1) research and 

 developnent, both in laboratories and at: sites where 

 underground workings can be used to study rock and 

 waste form properties and iatecactions , and (2) loca- 

 ting and characterizing potential repository sites in 

 different geologic environments and relying on diverse 

 rock types. 



• Once four or five sites in a variety of geologic envi- 

 ronments have been evaluated and found potentially 

 suitable for a repository, one or more will be selected 

 for further intensive study or characterization and 

 development as a licensed repository. 



• Ultimately, several high level waste repositories will 

 be opened, sited regionally insofar as technical con- 

 siderations related to public health and safety permit. 



Prior to proceeding with the first full-scale repository, an 

 intermediate step might be taken by disposal of a relatively 

 small quantity of high level waste in a licensed geologic test 

 facility in order to gain experience applicable to subsequent 

 actions with respect to full-scale repositories. Such a facility 

 is not an essential component of a program leading to a full- 

 scale, high level waste repository. It would provide an option, 

 however , to test technical readiness and to exercise elements of 

 the licensing process after an adequate site characterization 

 program has been completed. 



Following completion of environmental reviews required by the 

 National Environmental Policy Act, the President will reexamine 

 this interim strategy and decide whether any changes need to be 

 made . 



Following this strategy, the choice of site for the first full- 

 scale repository should be made about 1985 and operations should 

 begin by the mid-1990's. These dates reflect current estimates 

 of the minimum time required to do the work necessary, including 

 time for licensing and to permit full State and local government 

 and public paritcipation in decisionmaking. 



