Test and evaluation of natural barriers at Yucca Mountain, Nevada: Management of the site characterization program

The US DOE is responsible for managing a characterization program for the Yucca Mountain site to collect data needed to determine if the site is suitable for recommendation for development as a repository. If found to be suitable, the site will then begin the licensing process with the US NRC. Given the long time period over which this process occurs, it is essential that the data base for the site is systematically documented and updated. Likewise, the records for preliminary performance evaluations are an essential part of that documentation package. A cornerstone of DOE's management approach to site characterization and evaluation are documented and available for scrutiny by oversight groups and the NRC, especially during the licensing process