Geotechnical field measurements for evaluation of the WIPP site

The Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), is now proposed for a location 25 miles east of Carlsbad, New Mexico. This paper focuses on two particular aspects of the WIPP site investigations in order to illustrate the methods and techniques by which data were obtained for analysis and evaluation. The first of these case histories the examination of the subsurface region at the northern edge of the WIPP site where the deep salt beds and interbedded anhydrites of the Castile formation exhibit moderate to severe deformation. This investigation has relied on seismic reflection and gravity surveys and borehole coring and logging. The second study addresses the methods used to define the hydrologic parameters and characteristics of the aquifer systems in the Rustler Formation