Site characterization at the potential high-level radioactive waste repository site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

This paper provides a brief summary of recent site characterization activities at Yucca Mountain, Nevada, located in southern Nevada ∼100 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Current and future investigations will supply scientific and technical data for evaluating whether the site is suitable for the disposal of high-level nuclear waste. On July 9, 1991, surface-based testing recommenced following several years devoted to U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) reviews, development, and implementation of an NRC-accepted quality assurance program and the obtaining of required permits. During the past 16 months, numerous trenches and test pits have been excavated or deepened, and many drill holes have been completed