686 



(3) Radiological /Safety Assessment : Calculation of the radiological 

 impacts of the total subseabed disposal system to determine the 

 potential dose to man and effects on the marine eco-systems, 

 resulting from normal disposal operations and assumed accident 

 conditions. 



(4) Inst itutional Assessment : Determining if there are legal and 

 Tnstitutional frameworks which exist or can be established to 

 provide the domestic and international regulatory mechanisms to 

 assure satisfactory operation and controls for a subseabed 

 disposal system. 



It is our concern that the subseabed disposal option be fully and 

 rigorously investigated, especially its potential impact on the marine 

 environment. We expect the U.S. to maintain its scientific leadership in 

 the international research effort. 



Current activities in the Subeabed Disposal Program recognize that even 

 though our understanding of deep ocean sedimentary formations indicates 

 that they are candidates for potential future nuclear waste repositories, 

 much additional specific research and engineering is needed before the 

 feasibility of the concept can be determined. Some of the unknowns 

 Include the need to acquire site-specific data on ocean circulation and 

 mixing, characterization of site-specific marine biology, potential 

 path-ways back to man through the marine food-web, and the Impact on the 

 marine eco-system resulting from normal and accidental disposal operations. 

 It is our plan to rigorously investigate these potential Impacts of a 

 subseabed disposal system. 



Seven other nations are also assessing seabed disposal of radioactive 

 waste. This international effort is coordinated through the NEA/OECO 

 Seabed Working Group. Since 1977 the U.S. has and will continue to be a 

 major participant in the NEA/OECD Seabed Working Group. One of the 

 objectives of the U.S. participation is to be in a position to assess 

 other nations seabed disposal programs and to Influence decisions so as 

 to protect the marine environment. Our continuing participation in the 

 Seabed Working Group and our active research programs should maintain 

 scientific leadership. 



