97. 



only if further tests on adsorption indicate that the radio- 

 active ions will not migrate any great distance. Even in 

 this event, disposal in deep aquifers would be safer. 



(4) Significant parts of discussion leading to above summary. 



Chairman : Infiltration of material close to the surface 

 into permeable and semipermeable formations: 



A good estimate of adsorption capacities would be 

 twenty tons of clay for complete adsorption of one thou- 

 sand gallons. How much clay is there in the desert 

 basins? (Henry Thomas) 



In deserts there are thousands of cubic miles of clay. 



I would not trust desert basins which appear to have 

 no natural drainage . 



Even if the basin is not closed, if the time is long 

 enough in getting over the rim, isn't this adequate? 



In these basins there are gravel layers extending out 

 from the mountains like tongues (illustrated by interlock- 

 ing fingers pointing the tips downward). There are gravel 

 and clay in about fifty-foot layers. Each gravel layer has 

 perched water. 



Has any estimate been made of the age of these waters? 



There would be stratification and mixing from wells. 

 If you are thinking of tritium measurements, these would 

 be very difficult. 



Consensus : We consider disposal in permeable beds 

 should not be done below the water table, unless subse- 

 quent information indicates that adsorption will protect 

 the aquifer above. 



B. Beds above the water table. 



(1) Possibilities. A part of the committee was of the opinion 

 that this might be worth trying in isolated desert areas 



