A decision support system for performance-based site characterization

The complex and dynamic requirements of site characterization present a major management challenge. ParaTrac, a regulatory and technical information system, is described as a valuable tool in assisting managers of such programs. ParaTrac is currently being used on the Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project to help prioritize site testing based on high-priority regulatory requirements. It has also been used in field activities tracking, MGDS systems analysis, project technical database input, and study plan preparation. The process of planning and implementing a performance-based site characterization program is discussed in general. The questions of open-quotes What data are needed?,close quotes open-quotes How much is enough?,close quotes and open-quotes How much will it cost?close quotes are addressed. A detailed illustration of how the ParaTrac system can be used to answer these questions is also given. ParaTrac captures the regulatory basis for site characterization and provides a data management system to allow rapid retrieval of related information. These regulatory requirements can be tracked through the entire site characterization process, from parameter information needs to field testing and data collection, and ultimate to various analyses. An example of this process is given for a regulation dealing with ground-water travel time