Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project …AnEq Eqpp 0run p0r-Unyf Cr~af * PO Box808 Lfte'o Ca~ftfn 94550 * Telephone (415) 422-1 100 * Twx 910-386-8339 UCLLL LVMF? a -' LAWRENCE

Department of Energy;Washingtoo, DC 20585

JUL 8 1993

Mr. Joseph J. Holonich, DirectorRepository Licensing and Quality Assurance

Project DirectorateDivision of High-Level Waste ManagementOffice of Nuclear Material Safety

and SafeguardsU.S. Nuclear Regulatory CommissionWashington, DC 20555

Dear Mr. Holonich:

The enclosed Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project

participants' monthly status reports are forwarded for your

information. If you have any questions on the enclosed reports,

please contact Priscilla Bunton at (202) 586-8365.

Linda J. Desell, ChiefRegulatory Integration BranchOffice of Civilian RadioactiveWaste Management

Enclosures:(1) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Yucca Mountain

Project Status Report, May 1993(2) Highlights of the Los Alamos Monthly Activity Report,

May 1993(3) U.S. Geological Survey Yucca Mountain Project Monthly

Summary for April 1993(4) U.S. Geological Survey Yucca Mountain Project Monthly

Summary for May 1993

140085o

9301911 93070PDR>PDR WASTE

K-'

2

cc:(w/out encl.)C. Gertz, YMPO(w/encl.)Ken Hooks, NRCT. J. Hickey, Nevada Legislative CommitteeR. Loux, State of NevadaD. Bechtel, Las Vegas, NVEureka County, NVLander County, Battle Mountain, NVP. Niedzielski-Eichner, Nye County, NVW. Offutt, Nye County, NVL. Bradshaw, Nye County, NVC. Schank, Churchill County, NVF. Mariani, White Pine County, NVV. Poe, Mineral County, NVJ. Pitts, Lincoln County, NVJ. Hayes, Esmeralda County, NVB. Mettam, Inyo County, CA

Lawrence Livennore National Laboratory

J., 22

LLYMP9306050 cc /o WBS 1.2.9June 17, 1993 "QA: N/A"

Carl Gertz, Project Manager CCDepartment of EnergyYucca Mountain Project OfficeP.O. Box 98518 CLas Vegas, Nevada 89193-8518 i. AC

/ ~~~~~~~~~Ca)CAI0

SUBJECT: Yucca Mountain Project Status Report - May 1993SCP: N/A

Attached is the May Project Status Report for LLNL's participation in the YuccaMountain Project.

If further information is required, please contact Elizabeth Campbell of my staffat 510-422-7854 or Jim Blink in Las Vegas at 702-794-7157.

Sincerely,

W. L. ClarkeLLNL Technical Project Officerfor YMP

WC/EC

ccDistribution

DISCLAIMER

-*-he LLNL Yucca Mountain Project cautions that any information is preliminaryand subject to change as further analyses are performed or as an enlarged andperhaps more representative data base is accumulated. These data and3terpretations should be used accordingly.

EKNLOSURE I

AnEq Eqpp 0run * p*0r-Unyf Cr~af * PO Box808 Lfte'o Ca~ftfn 94550 * Telephone (415) 422-1 100 * Twx 910-386-8339 UCLLL LVMF?

a -'

LAWRENCE LIVERMOR ATIONAL LABORATORY YUCCA MOUNTAIN PROJECT

1.2.1 SystemsWBS 1.2.1.WBS 1.2.1.!WBS 1.2.1.'

1.2.2 Waste PacWBS 1.2.2.WBS 1.2.2.:WBS 1.2.2.:

WBSWBSWBSWBS

1.2.2.:1.2.2.:1.2.2.:1.2.2.:

MAY 1993 TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS AND STATUS REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Systems Engineering Coordination and Planning5 Special Studies (Halsey)6 Configuration Management (Blink)

kage1 Waste Package Coordination and Planning (Wilder)2 Waste Package Environment (Wilder)2.1 Chemical & Mineralogical Properties of the Waste Package

Environment (Glassley)2.2 Hydrologic Properties of Waste Package Environment (Buscheck)2.3 Mechanical Attributes of the Waste Package Environment (Blair)2.4 Engineered Barrier System (EBS) Field Tests (Lin)2.5 Characterization of the Effects of Man-Made Materials on Chemical &

Mineralogical Changes in the Post-Emplacement Environment (Meike)

3 Waste Form & Materials Testing (Stout/McCright)3.1.1 Waste Form Testing - Spent Fuel (Steward)3.1.2 Waste Form Testing - Glass (Bourcier)3.2 Metal Barriers (McCright)3.3 - Other Materials (McCright)3.4 Integrated Testing (Viani)3.4.1 Integrated Radionuclide Release: Tests and Models (Viani)3A.2 Thermodynamic Data Determination (Silva)3.5 Nonmetallic Barrier Concepts (McCright)

WBS 1.2.2.'WBS 1.2.2.IWBS 1.2.2.WBS 1.2.2.'WBS 1.2.2.WBS 1.2.2..WBS 1.2.2.WBS 1.2.2.:WBS 1.2.2.:

WBS 1.2.2.4WBS 1.2.2.4.3

WBS 1.2.2.5

1.2.3 Site InvestigationWBS 1.2.3.2WBS 1.2.3.2.1.2.1WBS 1.2.3.4WBS 1.2.3.4.2WBS 1.2.3.10

Design, Fabrication, and Prototype TestingContainer/Waste Package Interface Analysis

Waste Package - Special Studies

GeologyNatural Analogue of Hydrothermal Systems in Tuff (Glassley)Geochemistry (Glassley)Geochemical Modeling (Wolery)Altered Zone Characterization (Glassley)

Site Characterization Program (Blink)Geologic and Engineering Materials Bibliography of ChemicalSpecies (GEMBOCHS) (Johnson)Technical Data Base Input (Revelli)

Performance Assessment (Halsey)Waste Package Performance Assessment (O'Connell/Maclntyre)

1.2.5 RegulatoryWBS 1.2.5.2.2WBS 1.2.5.3.4

WBS 1.2.5.3.5

WBS 1.2.5.4WBS 1.2.5.4.2

1.2.9 Project ManafWBS 1.2.9.1WBS 1.2.9.1.2WBS 1.2.9.2WBS 1.2.9.2.2

1.2.11 Oualify AssuWUS 1.2.11.1WBS 1.2.11.2WBS 1.2.113WBS 1.2.113.1WBS 1.2.113.2WBS 1.2.11.5

1.2.12 InformationWBS 1.2.12.2.2WBS 1.2.12.25

CementManagement and Coordination (Clarke)Technical Project Office Management (Clarke)Project Control (Podobnik)Technical Project Office Management (Podobnik)

ranceQuality Assurance Coordination and Planning (Monks)Quality Assurance Program Development (Monks)Quality Assurance Verification (Monks)Quality Assurance Verification - Audits (Monks)Quality Assurance Verification - Surveillance (Monks)Quality Assurance - Quality Engineering (Monks)

ManagementLocal Records Center Operation (LRC) (Bryan)Document Control (Bryan)

1.2.13 Environment. Safety and HealthWBS 1.2.13.1 Environment, Safety and Health Coordination and Planning (Blink)

1.2.15 Support ServicesWBS 1.2.15.2 Administrative Support (Campbell)WBS 1.2.15.3 YMSCP Support for the Training Mission (Bryan)

LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY(LLNL)

YUCCA MOUNTAIN PROJECT (YMP) STATUS REPORT

MAY 1993

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY(Items Proposed for Reporting in YMPO or OGD Reports)

1) L22.42A (Engineered Barrier System (EBS) Field Tests). (Large Block Test (LBT)Environmental management approval was received on May 25 to clear potentialtest area. REECo completed the clearing and rock surface cleaning activity on June 2.

2) 1.2.2.2.4 (Engineered Barrier System (EBS) Field Tests). (Large Block Test (LBT)The final drawings of the load-retaining frame has been completed. Procurement ofthe frame will begin next month. The surface material of the site at Fran Ridge hasbeen removed. Inspection of the site will take place June 1-2. The preparation workfor laboratory tests on smaller blocks and quarrying of the large block continued.Preliminary scoping model calculations indicate that it is possible to generate both adry-out zone and a condensate zone in the block.

3) 1.2.2.3.1.1 (Waste Form Testing - Spent Fuel). The eight U02 dissolutionexperiments begun in April as a part of the LLNL test matrix were completed. Theseeight experiments -are at temperatures of 500C and 751C, and at subatmosphericoxygen levels of 0.2% and 2%. This completes the initial test matrix of nineteenexperiments at alkaline conditions. Additional experiments at related conditionswere also run to yield 27 experiments finished since early last year. Detailed analysisof the final results of the full test matrix is required before formal conclusions can bemade.

4) 1.2.2.3.1.1 (Waste Form Testing - Spent Fuel). Thermogravimetric Apparatus(TGA). TGA #2 has been brought out of storage and is now fully operational.Oxidation tests of unirradiated depleted U0 2 are expected to start shortly after a dryrun and refamiliarization with procedures are completed. The thermocouples inTGA #1 are being calibrated, and this TGA should also be operational shortly.

5) 12.-2.22 (Hydrologic Properties of the Waste Package Environment). Validatingthe performance of high-AML systems is facilitated by addressing severalfundamental hypotheses:

1) whether heat conduction dominates heat flow,2) whether a region of above-boiling temperatures surrounding the repository

corresponds to the absence of mobile liquid water at the WP environment,3) whether fracture density and connectivity are sufficient to promote rock dry-

out due to boiling and condensate shedding,4) whether re-wetting of the dry-out zone back to ambient saturation significantly

lags behind the end of the boiling period, and5) whether large-scale, buoyant, gas-phase convection may eventually dominate

moisture movement in the UZ

LLNL-May Status Report I

Analyses have shown that hypotheses 1 and 5 are also important to the performanceof low-AML systems. Analysis of large-scale In situ heater tests Indicate that after 2yrs of full-power heating with 21 5.5-kW heaters (3 heater drifts with 7 heaters perdrift), temperature measurements will be useful in resolving the first and fifthhypotheses. After 4 yrs of full-power heating, resolution of hypotheses one and fivewill be even more likely. After 4 yrs of full-power heating, there may be enoughinformation to resolve the second and third hypothesis tests. Partial validation ofthe fourth hypothesis test will probably require a minimum of 6 to 7 yrs.

6) 1.2.2.3.2 (Metal Barriers). The carbon steel tubing string removed from Well WH-5 on the north side of Yucca Mountain was examined. The 1100 m long string,which was used as a conduit for an instrument package, was in place for over 10years and included almost 400 m of exposure below the water table. The sectionexposed above the water table had little corrosion, but the immersed section showedabundant corrosion products, apparently ferric oxide. Samples will be obtained forcharacterization to determine the corrosion penetration of the steel, the pattern ofattack (generalized or localized), and the nature of the corrosion products. Thisinformation will be incorporated in the evaluation of steel as an overpack materialin different waste package designs being considered by the project.

7) 1.2.2.3.2 (Metal Barriers). LLNL is preparing an experimental plan for studyingthe degradation (oxidation and corrosion) of materials in humid environments.The emphasis of this work will be on carbon steel and other iron-base materials andwill focus on the effect of humidity and temperature in the transition fromoxidation under "dry" conditions to corrosion under "wet" conditions. A systemwas designed for generating different humidity levels. This system will be used inconjunction with the thermal gravimetric analysis unit that was recently ordered aspart of the YMP capital acquisition.

1.2.1 SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

1.2.1.1 Systems Engineering Coordination and Planning

No significant activities.

1.2.1.5 Special Studies

D. McCright attended a Thermal Goals Workshop meeting on May 12 at YMPO.Each team captain reported on the recommendations of his team for the goalsassigned to that team. The goals were written into the SCP in 1988, but since thennew considerations in the repository design and the improved knowledge base ofthe site necessitate review of the goals to determine the original rationale for thegoal, whether the individual goals are still relevant, need to be changed, and whatthe changes should be. Five thermal goals were assigned that most closely affectedthe engineered barrier system. Our recommendations were:

1) to retain the 500*C limit on the glass waste form;2) to generally retain the 3506C limit on the spent fuel cladding but to expand the

goal to include factors other than temperature that will affect performance,3) to eliminate the 275*C limit on the borehole wall,

LLNL-May Status Report 2

4) to retain, with some slight wording changes, the goal that stated that theactual thermal load could be less than the design limit, and

5) to retain, with an important wording change, the goal that the repositoryshould be designed to maximize the time that the outer waste package surfaceremains above the boiling point (the SCP goal stated that the borehole wall shouldremain above boiling for as long as possible). The recommendations of each teamwere incorporated into a report prepared by S. Saterlie of the M&O for YMPO.

12.16 Configuration Management

The following three Cost and Schedule Change Requests (C/SCRs) were submittedfor CCB consideration:

1) Add LLNL and LANL to WBS element 1.2.3.5.2.2 and delete LLNL from WBSelement 1.23.5.2.1,

2) Add LLNL into WBS elements 1.23.1 and 1.2.5.1, and3) Modify the WBS 1.2.15.2 description of work.

122 WASTE PACKAGE

1.2.11 Waste Package Coordination and Planning

B. Viani, A. Meike, S. Martin, R. Silva and C. Palmer participated in the YMPColloid Workshop held May 3-5 in Santa Fe, NM. B. Viani presented results of theanalysis of inorganic colloids in NTS ground waters. A strategy for addressing issuesrelated to colloid transport of radionuclides was developed. An initial draft of astrategy document is currently being edited.

W. Glassley attended an International Atomic Energy Agency meeting in Vienna,Austria, to participate in planning and design of a Cooperative Research Programconcerning extrapolation of short term studies to long time periods.

122.2 Waste Package Environment

1.2.2.2.1 Chemical and Mineralogical Properties of the Waste Package Environment

The contract for the work on the New Zealand natural analog site was finalized.The scope of work calls for an initial screening process to select specific sites forstudy. Site selection, on the basis of simulation requirements and types of problemsto be considered, is underway. Contact with corporate entities has also beenestablished. This is required to obtain access to some restricted data that are beingused for commercial purposes. Discussions are underway with these entities todetermine how best to use the data.

Work on the revised Study Plan 8.3.4.2.4.1, "Characterization of the Chemical andMineralogical Changes in the Post-Emplacement Environment" continued. Therevised Study Plan is expected to be completed by the end of June.

The abstract entitled "Validation of Geochemical Zodes Using Natural Systems:New Zealand Geothermal Systems' by C. Bruton, W. Bourcier and W. Classley for

LLNL-May Status Report3 3

submittal to the MRS Pall meeting In Boston, MA on November 29-December 3, hascompleted Internal review and was submitted to YMPO for approval.

The paper entitled "Simultaneous Precipitation Kinetics of Kaolinite and Gibbsite atBOC and pH3" by K. Nagy and A. Lasaga (Yale University) for submittal to"Geodimica et Cosmochirnica Acta" is in Internal review.

12±29 Hydrologic Properties of the Waste Package Environment

Model Calculations

Over the past several months, LLNL has been examining the sensitivity of thermo-hydrological performance of the repository-unsaturated zone (UZ) - saturated zone(SZ) system to a broad range of thermal loading design parameters, thermo-hydrological properties and boundary conditions. It has been demonstrated thatbecause of the very small matrix permeability In most of the UZ, the only significantsource of liquid water reaching a waste package (WP) and transporting radionuclidesto the water table is from nonequilibrium fracture flow from three potential origins:

1) meteoric sources,2) drainage of condensate generated under boiling conditions, and3) drainage of condensate generated under sub-boiling conditions by either

small-scale or mountain-scale (i.e., large-scale), buoyant vapor flow.

The first source of liquid water arises from the ambient system; the second and thirdsources are generated by repository hept. Analyses indicate that even for low ArealMass Loadings (AMLs, expressed in metric tons of heavy initial metal per acre,MTU/acre), the third source of water can persist for tens of thousands of years, givensufficiently large bulk permeability, kb.

In addition to generating condensate flow, repository heat can redistribute theambient liquid in the UZ, with regions of net dry-out below the repository andregions of moisture buildup above the repository. These changes in the saturationdistribution can impact ambient fracture flow, possibly amplifying the effects ofnatural infiltration in regions of saturation buildup and attenuating those effects inregions of net dry-out. For AMLs that result In significant dry-out, large-scalebuoyant vapor flow can also increase the rate at which the dry-out zone is re-wetted.Analyses indicate that repository-heat-driven changes in the saturation distributioncan persist for more than 100,000 yrs. In addition, analyses show that a region ofabove-boiling temperature can significantly mitigate the impact of fracture flow onWP performance and radionudide migration for thousands of years.

In past monthly reports, the use of hypothesis tests in model validation has beendiscussed. Work continued to refine the use of hypothesis tests and to analyze thetimeframe over which these hypotheses will be resolved through the use of thelarge block heater test at Fran Ridge and large-scale in situ heater tests in the ESF.

For high AMLs, above-boiling conditions can persist at the repository horizon for10,000 yrs, with re-wetting back to ambient saturation taking more than 100,000 yrs.For sub- to marginal-boiling conditions, condensate drainage and episodic


infiltration are controlled by the heterogeneous distribution of hydrologicalproperties, while for above-boiling conditions, they are largely determinedthermodynamically. Consequently, during the above-boiling period, hypothesesconcerning the performance of high-AML systems can take advantage of processesthat assure radionuclide containment in WMs. During the post-boiling period,when the dry-out zone Is re-wetting back to ambient saturation, the hypotheses canaddress processes that benefit radionuclide containment and those which retardradionuclide migration. The formulation of these hypotheses can be based on threeconsiderations:

1) the spatial and temporal extent of above-boiling temperatures,2) whether the region of above-boiling temperatures surrounding the repository

corresponds to the absence of liquid water at the WP environment, and3) how long it takes the dry-out zone to re-wet back to ambient saturation.

Validating the performance of high-AML systems is facilitated by addressing severalfundamental hypotheses:

I) whether heat conduction dominates heat flow,2) whether a region of above-boiling temperatures surrounding the repository

corresponds to the absence of mobile liquid water at the WP environment,3) whether fracture density and connectivity are sufficient to promote rock dry-

out due to boiling and condensate shedding,4) whether re-wetting of the dry-out zone back to ambient saturation significantly

lags behind the end of the boiling period, and5) whether large-scale, buoyant, gas-phase convection may eventually dominate

moisture movement in the UZ.

These hypotheses can also help organize the performance strategy and goals thatwill be the basis for design decisions for the WP, engineered barrier system, andrepository. The validation of these hypotheses will profoundly reduce the impact ofhydrogeological uncertainty on predictions of thermo-hydrological performance.

It is important to note that the primary motivations for extending the duration ofthe above-boiling period and the subsequent period of sub-ambient saturations areto:

a) minimize the sensitivity of repository performance to hydrologicalvariability,

b) extend the period of radionuclide containment in the engineered barriersystem, and

c) during the period of radionuclide migration, reduce the probability of watercontacting WPs and reduce the flow rates associated with transport. Anotherimportant motivation is to delay the period of significant radionuclide migrationuntil the inventory of radionuclides has been substantially diminished byradioactive decay.

Demonstrating that the first two hypotheses are true is very favorable forperformance during the above-boiling period. If conduction dominates heat flow,the adequacy of heat flow models will primarily depend on accurate accounting ofthe thermal properties and thermal loading conditions, which are more readilydetermined and much less variable than many parameters of the ambient

LLNL-May Status Report 5s

hydrogeological system. Moreover, the thermal properties are relatively insensitiveto hydrothermally driven geochemical effects. The range of Reference InformationBase (RIB) values of thermal conductivity at Yucca Mountain only spans a factor of2. If conduction dominates heat flow, then it should be possible to reliably predictthe region of above-boillng conditions surrounding the repository. Demonstratingthat the second hypothesis is true favors performance because the absence of mobilewater benefits WP integrity and eliminates advective liquid flow as a mechanismfor mobilizing and transporting radlonuclides.

Demonstrating that the first four hypotheses are true is favorable for post-boilingperiod performance, which benefits from a persistent zone of sub-ambientsaturations surrounding the repository. The first three hypotheses provide the basisfor reliably predicting the temporal and spatial extent of the dry-out zonesurrounding the repository. The fourth hypothesis provides the basis for predictinghow long the dry-out zone persists. Demonstrating that the fifth hypothesis is falseis favorable for both above-boiling and sub-boiling performance. Showing thathypothesis five is false will eliminate a major potential source of fracture flow, amajor potential mechanism for building up the saturation above the repository, anda major potential mechanism for re-wetting the dry-out zone.

It is critically important that the first and fifth hypothesis tests be resolved even iftemperatures never exceed the boiling point. Analyses indicate that it takes on theorder of 1000 yrs for large-scale, buoyant, gas-phase convection to affect vapor flow atthe center of the repository. It was also found that, given sufficiently large bulkpermeability (kb), large-scale, buoyant gas-phase convection can dominate moisturemovement for tens of thousands of years, even for AMLs that never result inboiling conditions. A threshold kb (called kbh d) was identified where large-scale,buoyant, gas-phase convection begins to domrnate moisture movement In the U7.Therefore, the fifth hypothesis test is important for all AMLs. It was also found thatthe threshold kb (called kbth) where this convection begins to dominate heat flow isabout ten times greater than kb,hyd. Heat conduction will dominate heat flowunless large-scale, buoyant, gas-phase convection produces a very large vapor fluxthat results in a very large saturation buildup above the repository horizon and/or alarge condensate drainage flux in fractures. Therefore, the first hypothesis test isalso extremely important for all AMLs, including those where the average peaktemperatures never exceed the boiling point.

Analysis of large-scale in situ heater tests indicate that after 2 yrs of full-powerheating with 21 5-5-kW heaters (3 heater drifts with 7 heaters per drift), temperaturemeasurements will be useful in resolving the first and fifth hypotheses. After 4 yrsof full-power heating, resolution of hypotheses one and five will be even morelikely. After 4 yrs of full-power heating, there may be enough information toresolve the second and third hypothesis tests. Partial validation of the fourthhypothesis test will probably require a minimum of 6 to 7 yrs.

Incidentally, the 21 55-kW heater test reaches a peak temperature of 213*C after 4 yrsof full-power heating. In order to resolve hypotheses one and five prior to thelicense application deadline in 2001, it is critically important to conduct the heatertest at well above the boiling point. Sub-boiling heater tests will require at leastLLNL-May Status Rcport 6

20 yrs to diagnose whether large-scale, buoyant, gas-phase convection may dominateeither the moisture movement or the thermal performance in the MZw

Large-scale in situ heater tests will be conducted at the repository horizon at YuccaMountain. Because repository heat can drive substantial hydrotheral flow effectsthroughout the UZ, additional in situ heater tests conducted at otherhydrostratigraphic Intervals in the UZ and in the SZ could be extremely valuable inresolving the fundamental hypothesis tests. In situ heater tests will also beextremely useful In determining whether hydrothermal Tenow effects can drivegeochemical and geomechanical changes that significantly alter properties withinthe engineered and natural barriers.

The large block test (LBT) will provide valuable information pertaining to all fivehypotheses, particularly the second, third, and fourth hypotheses. Bench-scale blocktesting would be able to partially validate only the third and fourth hypotheses. Thefirst and fifth hypothesis are heavily site-scale dependent and will require large-scalein situ heater testing to be resolved. Recent hydrothermal modeling of the LBT issummarized in the WBS 12.2.2.4 section of this report.

Laboratory Experiments

Work continued to measure electrical resistivity as a function of moisture contentof Topopah Spring Tuff samples from the 04 and GU-3 holes using J-13 water aspore fluid. The samnples from GU-3 are used for the high temperaturemeasurements. The samples from G-4 core are for the determination of electricalresistivity as a function of water saturation at room temperature. The specimens aremachined both parallel and perpendicular to the axis of the core. Isotropy inelectrical resistivity will be determined. For the GU-3 samples, the experiments areat 401C, in the increasing saturation phase.

Work continued on an experiment to determine the effect of fracture surfacecoatings on the imbibition of water into the matrix. Eight Topopah Spring tuffsamples machined from outcrops from Busted Butte, NV were prepared for thispurpose. Work continues to determine the mineralogy of the coating material, thepore size distribution In the coating layers, and the porosity of the samples.

An experiment was started to determine the moisture retention curve and one-dimensional imbibition using G4 core. The data from this experiment will be usedfor calculating relative permeability as a function of water saturation. In the one-dimensional Imbibition experiment, J-13 water is introduced to the bottom of asample that Is 2.54 an in diameter, and 10 cm long. The water is being imbibed intothe sample against gravity. Eight pairs of electrodes are mounted along the axis ofthe sample to determine the distribution of moisture content as a function of time.The imbibitlon rate of water is determined from the water level in a burette. Thewater saturation front has reached about 5/8 of the sample length.

The preparation of a fractured and intact Topopah Spring tuff sample from the G4hole for the fracture healing study and for determining saturated water permeabilityhas been completed.LLNL-May Status Report 7

Meetings and Publications

W. Nelson and S. Mishra (M&O) visited LLNL on May 3 to discuss analytical andnumerical studies of the various regimes of repository-heat-driven thermo-hydrological performance issues with T. Buscheck and J. Nitao.

J. Nitao attended the hydrothermal model task force meeting in Denver on May 17to make a presentation on recent analytical and numerical studies of the majorthermo-hydrological rc. imes and to discuss the recent USGS data which have beenprovided for the thernio-hydrological modeling support of the thermal loadingsystems study.

The abstract by J. Roberts and W. Lin entitled "The Effects of Water Saturation andWater Chemistry on the 7lectrical Conductivity of Topopah Spring Tufft waspresented at the American 3physical Union meeting in Baltimore, MD onMay 24-28.

1.2-2.2.3 Mechanical Attributes of the Waste Package Environment

YMPO has received comments from the NRC on Study Plan 83.4.2.43, Rev. 0,"Characterization of the Geomechanical Attributes of the Waste PackageEnvironment". Preparations of responses to the comments and associated revisionsto the Study Plan were initiated.

Work continued on Activity Plans for both laboratory and numerical studies of thegeomechanics of the near field environment.

Thin sections of several samples of Topopah Spring tuff were prepared from coreends of samples to be tested on the geochemical and hydrologic tasks. Themicrostructure of these sections will be analyzed using image processing techniques,and results will be shared with other investigators on the project. These results willaid in understanding the fundamental properties of the pore structure and inidentifying any changes in pore structure that may occur during laboratory testing.

1.2.2.2.4 Engineered Barrier System (EBS) Field Tests

Large Block Test (LBT)

The Scientific Investigation Plan (SIP) for the Large Block Test was reviewed byYMPO. Comment resolution has been started. Linkage of the SIP to the (draft)Study Plan 83.4.2.4.4. has also begun.

The final drawings of the load-retaining frame have been completed. Procurementof the frame will begin next month. Environmental management approval wasreceived on May 25 to dear the potential test area. Inspection of the site will takeplace June 1-2. REECo will complete the clearing and rock surface deaning activityon June 2. The preparation work for laboratory tests on smaller blocks andquarrying of the large block continued. Preliminary scoping model calculationsLLNL-May Status Report 8

indicate that It is possible to generate both a dry-out zone and a condensate zone inthe block.

Review of specifications continued for several diagnostic systems for the LBT.Tiese include an optical extensometer, multiple point displacement extensometer(MPBX) system, a strain gauge emplacement system, stress meters, acoustic velocitysystems and a borehole scanner.

A numerical simulation of the LBT continued. The purpose of this work is to aid inthe experimental design of the test and to provide a point of reference forevaluation of various thermal and material models for predicting the blockresponse. The focus is on evaluation of options for the placement of heaters and therate and duration of heating/cooling cycles, and to assist in the design of the typeand location of diagnostic instrumentation, especially for the geomechanicalmeasurements. Preliminary results for temperature, stress and displacement fieldsas a function of time from start of heating were prepared and compared to resultsfrom the V-TOUGH model.

T. Buscheck and K. Lee continued the hydrothermal modeling analysis of the largeblock heater test. The 3 m x 3 m x 4.5-m-high block has an upper boundary with aconstant temperature, pressure, and relative humidity (that allows gas to escape theblock). Heat and fluid flow is represented between the block and the underlyingrock. The model effectively extends infinitely downward below the ground surface.K. Lee is modeling the block with the use of a two-dimensional model whichrepresents the cross-section that is orthogonal to five parallel, uniformly-spaced,300-W heaters. The 2-D, cross-sectional model assumes adiabatic boundaries on thesides of the block (i.e. perfect insulator). Because it is 2-D, the cross-sectional modeleffectively neglects heat flow in the third dimension. The condition of adiabaticlateral boundaries facilitates the applicability of the 2-D model. The 2-D, cross-sectional model is very useful in showing how long it takes for thermal interferencebetween the heaters to occur. T. Buscheck is representing the block with an R-Zaxisymmetric model which averages the heating from the individual heaters with adisk-shaped heat source. The 3 m x 3 m cross-sectional area of the block isrepresented by a circular cross section with a 3385-m diameter (giving it the samecross-ctional area). The R-Z axisymmetric model does not assume adiabatic sides.Instead it represents the sides having insulation of a specified thickness and thermalconductivity, Kth. Because of its large heat capacity and Kth, the loading frame (thatconfines the block) is assumed to be at a constant temperature. If the Kth of theinsulation is one-tenth that of the rock, a minimum insulation thickness of 2 ft isrecommended. However, even for 2-ft-thick insulation, heat loss out of the sides ofthe block may be larger than preferred. Therefore, the use of guard strip heaterslocated inside the insulation may be needed to obtain the necessary adiabaticboundary.

D. Stahl (M&O) visited LLNL on May 26 to discuss the LBT. H. Kalia, N. Elkins(LANL) and L. Costin (SNL) visited LLNL on May 27 to discuss planning for theLBT.


1.2.2±5 Characterization of the Effects of Man-Made Materials on Chemical &Mineralogical Changes In the Post-Emplacement Environment

Revision of the Man-made Materials Study Plan 8.3.4.2.4.5 continues.

As a result of contacts made at recent meetings, activities continued with emphasison procurement of Information on introduced materials. Emphasis has beenplaced on colloids, tracer fluids, water and epoxy compounds. The sources andpotential amounts of water under investigation are those that may result fromhuman Intrusion and construction of the repository.

The abstract entitled 'Introduced Materials and Colloid Formation, A Report on theCurrent State of Knowledge" by A. Meike and C. Wittwer for submittal to the MRSFall meeting in Boston, MA on November 29-December 3, has completed internalreview and was submitted to YMPO for approval.

The abstract entitled "Chemical Implications for the Presence of IntroducedMaterials in the Post-Emplacement Environment" by A. Melke for submittal to theMRS Fall meeting In Boston, MA on November 29-December 3, has completedinternal review and was submitted to YMPO for approval.

1.2±23 Waste Form and Materials Testing

1.223.1 Waste Form

172.3.1.1 Waste Form Testing - Spent Fuel

Spent Fuel Dissolution

The eight U0 2 dissolution experiments begun in April as a part of the LLNL testmatrix were completed. These eight experiments are at temperatures of 500C and75°C, and at subatmospheric oxygen levels of 0.2% and 2%. This completes theinitial test matrix of nineteen experiments at alkaline conditions. Additionalexperiments at related conditions were also run to yield 27 experiments finishedsince early last year. Detailed analysis of the final results of the full test matrix isrequired before formal conclusions can be made.

Flow-through dissolution tests at PNL on ATM-106 fuel (PWR fuel with a50 MWd/kgM burnup and 18% fission gas release) in both oxidized (O/M -2.4) andunoxidized forms are in progress. Preliminary results from the oxidized specimensdo not indicate a high initial release of Tc such as was found earlier with oxidizedATM-105 fuel (BWR fuel with 31 MWd/kgM burnup and 0.6% fission gas release).

Another specimen of ATM-106 fuel was oxidized to U305 by heating in airovernight at 4256C causing the BET surface area to increase by a factor of about 40compared with unoxidized particles about 1 mm in size. The large increase insurface area is the result of substantial intra-and inter- granular cracking duringoxidation. Flow-through tests on the U308 material have been completed.Preliminary analytical results indicate that 15% of the total Cs inventory in the fuel


q,

*

was dissolved in the first 29 hours compared with only 4% of the total uranium.Thereafter, the U and Cs dissolution rates were equal. A possible explanation for the11% excess of Cs over U dissolution is that some of the Cs may be associated with gasbubbles In the U02 fuel matrix. Cracks caused by the oxidation probably interceptedmany of these bubbles thereby exposing the associated Cs for immediate dissolution.It was anticipated that oxidizing the fuel to U 30 8 might also give rise to an increasein the initial dissolution of Tc, this was not observed.

An addendum to the Test Plan for Flow-Through Dissolution Studies on Spent Fuel- Activity D-20-53b was submitted by PNL to LLNL for comment and approval.

W. Gray (PNL) attended the YMPO Colloid Workshop held in Santa Fe, NM onMay 3-5. He presented a summary of Information on colloid formation from spentfuel dissolution, which was taken from two reports by C. Wilson entitled 'Resultsfrom NNWSI Series 2 Bare Fuel Dissolution Tests" (PNL-7169) publishedNovember 1990 and "Results from NNWSI Series 3 Bare Fuel Dissolution Tests*(PNL-7170) published June 1990.

Spent Fuel Oxidation

Dry Bath Testing

Preliminary testing with the new controlled mode indicated sufficient temperaturestability at -250C to conduct a drybath test. The drybath was loaded with specimensof fuels at various O/M ratios as per the test plan addendum. The test was run at255*C for 195 hours and stopped for the first interim examination. Those samplesthat were initially unoxidized had oxidized to a M(O/M) between 0.35 and 0.42 (i.e.,essentially all the way to the plateau). Those samples that had been oxidized to&(O/M) -0.4 at 175*C had very little change in O/M which would be expected forsamples already on the plateau. A few samples are being removed for x-raydiffraction (XRD) and ceramography.

Calculations performed in support of the revised, elevated temperature (2556C)drybath tests indicated that U 308 formed by oxidation of spent fuel may be unstabledue to self-irradiation (a-decay) of the fuel. For 10- to 50-year-old spent fuel, thecalculations indicate that U308 will become completely amorphous in as little as90 days. In 1000-year-old fuel, U308 would be expected to lose its crystallinity inapproximately 6 months. The amorphization of U308 due to a-decay may explainthe apparent resistance of spent fuel to U308 formation in tests conducted up to1950C. This possible transformation will be factored into the determination of theinterim examination frequency for the 255oC where U305 is expected to form.

Due to pressure by the hot cell operators, many samples gathered during the interimexamination of the 195-C test, earlier Thermogravimetric Apparatus (TGA) runs,and other drybath examinations are being discarded. Samples of possible futurevalue to the program will be saved.

The abstract entitled "Effects of Air/Steam Oxidation on the Initial Dissolution ofSoluble Radionuclides from Spent LWR Fuel" by W. Gray, L. Thomas and

LLNL-May Status Report I I

R. Enzilger (PNL) for submittal to the MRS Fall meeting in Boston, MA onNovember 29-December 3 has completed internal lW4NL review and was submittedto YMPO for approvaL

nhermeLmetric-Aparatus trGA)

TGA #2 has been brought out of storage and is now fully operational. Oxidationtests of unirradiated depleted U0 2 are expected to start shortly after a dry run andrefamlliarization with procedures are completed. The thermocouples In TGA 91are being calibrated, and this TGA should also be operational shortly. This work bbeing carried out by OCRWM fellow, B. Hanson.

Materials Characterization Center (MCC) Hot Cell Activities

PNL has made a determination of the spent fuel requirements projected for thisproject from the current inventory of spent fuel. Inquiries are still being made forthe needs of other projects which might have a justifiable need for MCC fuelsamples. This information should be assembled In June.

The paper entitled 'Rationale for Determining Spent Fuel MCC Acqulsitlons byS. Marschman, R. Einziger (PNL) and R. Stout (LLNL) is completing PNL) dearance.It will be sent to LLNL in June.

1.2±3.1.2 Waste Form Testing - Glass

D-20-27 Unsaturated Testing of WVDP and DWPF Glass

The N2 tests (SRL actinide-doped glass) continue with no sampling period occurringthis month. These tests have been in progress for 372 weeks. The N3 tests (ATM-10,a West Valley actinide-doped glass) continue and have been in progress for290 weeks.

1.2±3.2 Metal Barriers

Following discussions with USGS Principal Investigators, D. McCright visited theREECo Sub-dock in Area 25 on May 11 to examine a carbon steel tubing string thathad been removed from Well WH-5 on the north side of Yucca Mountain. Thestring had been used as a conduit for an instrument package placed in the well andhad been exposed in the well for more than 10 years. The string was about 1100meters in length and traversed both the unsaturated and saturated zones. The waterlevel was 705 meters from the surface, the well was cased to a depth of around 750meters. It was very evident which part of the string was Immersed In water andwhich part was exposed to the atmosphere. There was little corrosion of the partwhich was exposed to the atmosphere. In fact, most of the original stendling on thetubing was still intact. The part immersed In the water showed abundant corrosionproducts, apparently ferric oxide. Arrangements are being made with USGS andREECo to obtain samples from the tubing steel for characterization to determine thecorrosion penetration of the steel, the pattern of attack (generalized or localized),and the nature of the corrosion products. This information will be incorporated in

LLNL-May Status Report 1 2

the evaluation of steel as an overpack material In different waste package designsbeing considered by the project.

J. Mitchell and R. Van Konynenburg are preparing an experimental plan forstudying the degradation (oxidation and corrosion) of materials in humidenvironments. The emphasis of this work will be on carbon steel and other iron-base materials and will focus on the effect of humidity and temperature in thetransition from oxidation under wdry' conditions to corrosion under "wet'conditions. A system was designed for generating different humidity levels. Thissystem will be used in conjunction with the thermal gravimetric analysis unit thatwas recently ordered as part of the YMP capital acquisition.

The mechanical components of the crack growth measurement system have beencompleted for the laboratory that is being refurbished for this work. Some electricalwork is yet to be completed. A project work plan was prepared for the crack growthtesting and other experimental work.

Work continues on compiling information on carbon steels, cast irons, and low tointermediate alloy steels. This will be used for the degradation mode survey on thisfamily of materials.

R. Van Konynenburg supplied information on the calculation of radiation dosefrom radon gas to W. Un, Task Leader for the Engineered Barrier System Field Tests.He also supplied data to E. Kansa, Principal Investigator in Waste FormCharacterization, to help in the modeling of carbon-14 release from YuccaMountain.

The abstract entitled "Limitations on the Development of a Scientific Basis forNuudear Waste Management" by R. Van Konynenburg for submittal to the MRS Fallmeeting in Boston, MA on November 29-December 3, has completed internalreview and was submitted to YMPO for approval.

1.2.23.3 Other Materials

This WBS element has not been funded in FY93.

12.23.4 Integrated Testing

1.223.4.1 Integrated Radionuclide Release: Tests and Models

Determination of Elemental Profiles in Rocks. Minerals, and Glasses using the IonMicroscope

Samples of single crystals of clinoptilolite previously equilibrated with #IN Na, K,and Ca chloride salts at 85*C were removed from the reaction flasks and embeddedin epoxy in preparation for analysis by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) andelectron and ion probes. The single crystals were oriented so that (010), (100), and(001) crystal planes would be exposed for subsequent diffusion experiments.

LINL-May Status Report 1 3

Additional single crystals were added to #IN Na, K, and Ca chloride salts at 856C forfuture analysis.

Interactions of Actinide-bearing Solutions with Rock Core Samples

Flow testing continued in an effort to determine the source of the oscillations Indifferential pressure and flow rates. A sample injection loop was added to the flow-through apparatus and will be used for testing the behavior of a conservative tracer(Br).

L223.4.2 Thermodynamic Data Determination

The abstract entitled "Collinear photothermal Deflection Spectroscopy of UquidSamples at Varying Temperature' by 1. Spear, R. Silva, G. Kiunder and R. Russo forsubmittal to 'Applied Spectroscopy" has completed internal review and wassubmitted to YMPO for approval.

1.2.2.3.5 Nonmetallic Barrier Concepts


12.24 Design, Fabrication, and Prototype Testing

1.2.2.4.3 Container/Waste Package Interface Analysis


1.23 SITE INVESTIGATIONS

1.2.3.1 Site Investigations Coordination and Planning

This WBS element has not been funded in FY93. LLNL has submitted a C/SCR tothe CCB to be added to the WBS Dictionary for this element.

123.2 Geology

1.3.2.1.2.1 Natural Analogue of Hydrothermal Systems in Tuff

This WBS element has not been funded in F93.

12.3A Geochemistry

123.42 Geochemical Modeling

Testing and final preparation of the Version 7.2 package continued. A few codebugs, mostly in the new Input file reformatters, were caught in late-stage testing andhave been resolved. In connection with this testing, the database group wasrequested to change the names of a few organic aqueous species. Changes were alsorequested to correct the thermodynamic data of two magnesium hydroxysulfateLLNL-May Status Report 14

minerals which figure prominently in two members of the test case library. Therelease of Version 7.2 has been delayed until June.

Work is underway on Version 8.0. Following the Software Design Description(SDD), this version is a major re-write incorporating elements of Version 7.1 andthe aborted 3270 development line. Recent developments from Version 7.2 are alsobeing incorporated. The input file reformatters created for Version 72 are beingextended to Version 8.0 to allow conversion of the existing test case library. Thedesign goals for Version 8.0 are described in the Software RequirementsSpecification (SRS). The new capability of most immediate interest is themodification of EQ6 to make reaction-path calculations allowing various degrees ofredox disequilibrium (e.g., metastable presence of sulfate and nitrate under reducingconditions, metastable presence of aqueous organics under oxidizing conditions).

1.23.5 Drilling

.23.5.2.2 Engineering, Design, and Drilling Support

LLNL was added to the WBS Dictionary in WBS 1.23.5.2.1. The .2 WBS is a better fitfor the diagnostic support activities of the LLNL/LANL NTS GeotechnicalEngineering Group (GEG), and a C/SCR was submitted to shift the support to thatWBS element. LANL was requested to be added to that element to permit fundingof development of a new diagnostic instrument at the Los Alamos site.

J. Blink provided a YMP overview and indoctrination to seven people from theGEG at NTS on May 18: these people are now included in the LLNL-YMP personnellist.

1.2.3.10 Altered Zone Characterization


1.2.5 REGULATORY

1.2.5.1 Regulatory Coordination and Planning

This WBS element has not been funded in FY93. This WBS element has not beenfunded in FY93. LLNL has submitted C/SCR to the CCB to be added to the WBSDictionary for this element.

1.2.5.2 Licensing

1.2.5.22 Site Characterization Program

The Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board (NWTRB) requested the Metal BarrierTask to make a presentation at the July 13-14 meeting in Denver, CO. The topic to beaddressed is thermal effects on corrosion. A planning meeting for all the presentersis scheduled for early June.

LLNL-May Status Report 1 S

D. Chesnut completed his review of Rev. 2 to Study Plan 8.3.1.2.2.4,"Characterization of the YM Unsaturated Zone in the ESF.

125.3 Technical Data Management

123.A Geologic and Engineering Materials Bibliography of Chemical Species(GEMBOCS)

GEMBOCHS Change Requests 2, 4 and 5 which were submitted using theCNGBOCHS system were resolved. These requests and their resolution history arefiled In CNGREQ. Their summary fields are as follows:

1) CR-2, request to modify data for 2 MHSH minerals (82jan)2) CR-4, request for thermodynamic data for xylenes3) CR-5, JEWEL bug; error In sotcrt qf.

JEWEL was used to generate a revised suite of thermodynamic datafiles (DATAOsuite R20) that support the EQ3/6 geochemical software package. These newdatafiles incorporate database and software updates that resulted from the resolutionof CR-2,4,51. The new files were piped through EQPT to generate the correspondingDATAI suite, which was then transferred to s60:/dberror/dataO, where it can beaccessed by local users of EQ3/6.

Development continued of a WINDOWS/4GL (mouse-driven) version of JEWELThis program facilitates interactive point-and-click generation of thermodynamicdatafiles for EQ3/6, GT, and other geochemical modeling packages. Effort has beenfocused on both code development and researching the optimal implementation ofIngres/Net that will facilitate access to the mouse-driven JEWEL by remote users.

The paper by S. Daveler, S. Lundeen and J. Johnson entitled 'CNGBOCHS: AnIntegrated Ingres-Emall-Interleaf System for Processing Change Requests Assodatedwith the GEMBOCHS Database and EQ3/6" was approved by YMPO and will bepublished in June.

S. Lundeen attended the 'lngres World '93" conference held in Santa Clara, CA onMay 10-13.

15.3.5 Technical Data Base Input

The response to the Request for Completion of Site and Engineering PropertiesDatabase (SEPDB) Packlog submittal package was submitted to YMPO on May 25. Allitems were completed and dosed.

1±25. Performance Assessment

1.L42 Waste Package Performance Assessment

Work continued on development of the Engineered Barrier System/Near ReldEnvironment (EBS/NFE) Source Term for TSPA-2.


Staff from INTERA visited LLNL on May 18 to discuss temperature dependentprocess models to be developed by LLNL for use in the DNTERA TPA-2.

Staff from LLNL went to SNL to install a version of Uvermores YMIM code In theSNL-TSPA computer model.

12.9 PROJECr MANAGEMENT

12.9.1 Management and Coordination

129.1.2 Technical Project Office Management

W. Clarke and J. Blink attended the TPO meeting In Las Vegas on May 7. W. Clarkeand D. Wilder attended the TAG meeting in Los Alamos on May 14. T. Statton andR. St. Clair (M&O) visited LLNL on May 20 to discuss the Annual Plan for SiteCharacterization (APSC) with the LLNL staff. A follow-up TAG meeting, held inLas Vegas on May 21, was attended by W. Clarke and J. Blink. LLNL submittedrequested additional APSC information to the M&O.

J. Blink attended the May 6 Infrastructure Reduction Assessment Team (RAT)meeting in Las Vegas. He was also interviewed by the DOE IG team on May 14; theyseemed very interested in the PA Transition Plan. He attended a number of budgetmeetings with the M&O and participated in the WBS 1.2.5 mid-year review. Finally,he obtained tracer/fluid/materials information from LANL and provided it to theLLNL Pi in WBS 1.2.2.2.5 (Man-Made Materials Effects on Geochemistry). He alsomet with K Stetzenbach (UNLV) to discuss the adequacy of projected tracers and thepotential for increasing the number of tracers.

D. Wilder provided input on the Yucca Mountain Project to the EnvironmentalProtection Department (LLNL) who hosted a group of gifted school children fromNuevo School in Hillsborough, CA at LLNL on May 13. These children had beenchartered with the task of developing a solution to the nuclear waste problem forthe United States. LWIL's presentation gave them an overview on ways thatLivermore is working on this issue.

1. Blink spent four days at schools throughout Nye County, NV on May 10-13. Hepresented hands-on science classes to 580 students and 32 teachers in Beatty, Gabbs,Round Mountain, and Duckwater. He also addressed the Nye County School Board,briefed him on his classroom activities and on the LESSON Sdence Workshop to beheld at NTS for Nye County teachers in June. Finally, he held a Boy Scout AtomicEnergy Merit Badge Workshop in Tonopah on May 11; three Scouts earned theMerit Badge.

On May 20, J. Blink provided training to new LESSON instructors. On May 24, J.Blink presented hands-on science classes to 75 students at Burkholder MiddleSchool in Henderson, NV.

J. Blink (LLNL), T. Kaisch (M&O), and E. Harle (SAIC), M. Pfister (KLAS-TV 8weatherman), City Pride Foods, and Pepsi Cola Bottling developed and hosted an


egg drop contest on May 28. Over 2SO students from Clark and Nye Countiesparticipated. Students used the OCWRM curriculum guide to build protectivedevices (with limited materials) for raw eggs to be dropped from 2 m. They followedup with the contest-in which there were no material limits and drop heights rangedto six stories. Channel 8 covered the egg drop 'liver on the noon weather show,gave tours of the station, and produced a news promo from the egg drop video. Thepromo, which stresses their slogan People you can count on", has run severaltimes a day for the last few weeks.

1.9.2 Project Control

12922 Participant Project Control

The April Cost/FTE report was submitted to YMPO. The April actual scheduleprogress and costs were submitted via the PACS workstation. The Cost Plan wasupdated to Include April actuals. LLNL has been successful in reducing variances;the February total of twelve was reduced of four in March. Variance analysisexplanations for those four P&S accounts were submitted to the M&O.

A revised Change Control Request was submitted to modify the budget andworkscope for Metal Barriers, WBS 1.2.23.2 and Man-Made Materials, WBS 1.2Z2.5.Changes accounted for an additional $100,000 to fund crack growth studies at ANLunder Metal Barriers and a revised workscope in Man-Made Materials to Includeanalysis of introduced hydrocarbons in the EBS. Preparations were completed withANL for additional SANLs (interlaboratory agreements) to perform crack growthstudies.

An analysis of the FY93 Estimate at Completion was initiated. The analysis will beconducted at the P&S Account level and will be completed In June.

The Compliance Evaluation Plan for the DOE-IRM activity is being reviewed. Thereview is scheduled to be completed in June. To implement this plan, LLNL mustbe added to WBS Dictionary element 1.2.12.3.

J. Podobnik, D. Wilder, W. Halsey and R. Stout met with P. Gottlieb and H. Benton(M&O) on May 6 to discuss performance measurement issues and the progress ofLLNL activity as described under PACS. The meeting was useful in describing to theM&O the plans LLNL has for executing the workscope within the FY93 budgetlimitations.

Work continues to screen potential candidates for two position openings: ProjectControl Coordinator to assist in the development and maintenance of the PACSdatabase; and an Engineering/Scientific Coordinator to provide planning,programmatic and technical support for Technical Area Leaders. The candidate forthe Engineering/Scientific Coordinator position declined to accept the job, and atthis point, an alternative candidate has not been selected. The Project ControlCoordinator position is still unfilled, and a suitable candidate has not been found.Supplemental labor will be used to fill this position until a permanent replacementcan be found.

LLNL-May Status Report I18

1.2.11 QUALITY ASSURANCE

1.2.L1 Quality Assurance Coordination and Planning

R. Monks began work at LLNL on May 17 as the new Quality Assurance Manager.

1211.2 Quality Assurance Program Development

Work continued on the activities to implement the new QARD and completion ofimplementing documents.

The following documents were completed and issued:1) 033-YMP-QP 1.0, Rev. 4, Organization,2) 033-QP 2.3, Rev. 1, Management Assessments,3) 033-YMP-QP 2.5, Rev. 1, Acceptance of Data Not Generated Under the Control

of the QARD,4) 033-YMP-QP 5.0, Rev. 3, Technical Implementing Procedures,5) 033-YMP-QP 13.0, Rev. 1, Handling, Storage, and Shipping,6) 033-YMP-QP 16.0, Rev. 5, Corrective Action,6) 033-YMP-QP 16.2, Rev. 4, Trend Analysis,8) 033-YMP-QP 17.0, Rev. 5, Quality Assurance Records,9) 033-YMP-QP 18.0, Rev. 5, Audits,

10) 033-YMP-QP 18.1, Rev. 5, Surveillances, and11) 033-YMP-QP 18.2, Rev. 3, Qualification of Quality Assurance Audit Personnel.

Grading Report LLNL-QAG-L067 for Activity D-20-43, Unsaturated Dissolution Testson Spent Fuel and U0 2 (LLNL support only, testing performed at ANL and graded atANL), was completed and distributed.

12.113 Quality Assurance Verification

1.2.11.3.1 Quality Assurance Verification - Audits

E. Weeks and K McFall, representing YMPO, met with LLNL staff on May 20 for pre-audit discussions concerning the July 19th audit.

A request for an extension of CAR YM-91-056 was submitted to YMPO to extend thedue date to June 30. Corrective action for this CAR has been open awaiting theissuance of the QARD.

12.113.2 Quality Assurance Verification - Surveillance

Extensions were requested and approved for CARs-LLNL-020, -021, and -022. Theextension -date is June 30.

12.1L4 Field Quality Assurance/Quality Control

This WBS element has not been funded in FY93.LLNL-May Status Report 19

1.2.11.5 Quality Assurance - Quality Engineering


1.2.12 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

1.2.12.2 Records Management

1L2.12.22 Local Records Center Operation (LRC)

Eleven new revisions were issued by Document Control. There were no changenotices issued.

1.212.23 Participant Records Management

A total of 301 items were logged into the LLNL-YMP tracking system. This includes108 records/records packages that were processed through to the CRF. Nine actionitems were closed.

The records staff reviewed and commented on AP-1.18Q and AP-1.5Q.

12.12.2.5 Document Control

LLNL received no funding under this WBS. Work performed to complete LLNL'sobligation in this WBS is funded under WBS 1.2.12.2.2.

12.13 ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY AND HEALTH

1.2.13.1 Environment, Safety and Health Coordination and Planning

LLNL did not receive ifs requested FY93 funding in this WBS element. Fundingwill again be requested for FY94.

T. Roy, an LLNL ES&H engineer at NTS, was brought into the LLNL-YMP toprovide part-time support for the Large Block Test (LBT). His FY93 efforts in thisarea will be charged to the LBT-WBS (1.2.2.2.4) or to the TPO management WBS(1.2.9.1.2) based on verbal guidance from the project manager to meet ES&Hrequirements even if direct funding is not provided.

1.215 SUPPORT SERVICES

1.2.15.2 Administrative Support

On May 11, LLNL received the first draft of PR 8, Site Characterization ProgressReport: Yucca Mountain, Nevada. LLNL reviewed the report and accepted it aswritten. A written response was sent to YMPO on May 12.

LLNL-May Status Report 20'

, 1.2.15.3 Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project (YMP) Support for theTraining Mission

Thirty eight different self-study assignments were issued, and LLNL-YMP staff weretrained to these assignments. Currently, there are 86 participants on the project whoare to be trained and/or tracked.


7

LLNL PROJECT STATUS REPORT DISTRIBUTION

EXTERNAL

PRELIMINARY STAMPDr. J. BatesChemical Technology DivisionArgonne National Laboratory9700 S. Cass AvenueArgonne, Illinois 60439

H. Benton/D. StahlSte P110101 Convention Center DriveLas Vegas, Nevada 89109

A. Berusch (RW-20)OCRWMForrestal BuildingWashington, DC 20585

M. BlanchardYucca Mountain Project OfficeU.S. Department of EnergyP. O. Box 98518Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8518

T. BlejwasSandia National LaboratoriesP.O. Box 5800Albuquerque, NM 87185

J. BlinkLLNL/Las Vegas101 Convention Center Drive,Suite 820Las Vegas, NV 89109

J.-BoakYucca Mountain Project OfficeU.S. Department of EnergyP. O. Box 98518Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8518

S. BodnarTRW, Mail Stop 423101 Convention Center DriveLas Vegas, Nevada 89109-2005

M BrodeurScience Applications Int'l Corp101 Convention Center Dr. # 407Las Vegas, NV 89109-2005

J. CanepaLos Alamos National LaboratoryP.O. Box 1663/N-5, MS J521Los Alamos, NM 87545

P. ClokeScience Applications Int'l Corp101 Convention Center Dr. # 407Las Vegas, NV 89109-2005

W. DixonYucca Mountain Project OfficeU.S. Department of EnergyP.O. Box 98518Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8518

'J. Dyer-Yucca Mountain Project OfficeU.S. Department of EnergyP.O. Box 98518Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8518

PRELIMINARY STAMPR. EinzigerBattelle-Pacific NorthwestP.O. Box 999/MS P714Richland, WA 99352

R. FishSte P110101 Convention Center DriveLas Vegas, Nevada 89109

L D. FoustTechnical Project OfficerCRWMS M&O101 Convention Center DrivePhase II, Suite P110Las Vegas, NV 89109

%. .. GertzYuleca Mountain Project OfficeU.S. Department of EnergyP.O. Box 98518Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8518

P.-HarrisonYucca Mountain Project OfficeU.S. Department of EnergyP.O. Box 98518Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8518

L HayesU.S. Geological SurveyBox 25046/MS 425Denver Federal CenterDenver, Colorado 80225

R. HugheyNuclear Energy DivisionUSDOE/SAN1333 BroadwayOakland, CA 94612

V. lorriYucca Mountain Project OfficeU.S. Department of EnergyP.O. Box 98518Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8518

C. JohnsonM&O101 Convention Center DrivePhase II, Suite P110Las Vegas, NV 89109

P. JustusNuclear Regulatory Commission301 E. Stewart Ave. #203Las Vegas, NV 89101

H. KaliaLANL/LV101 Convention Center Drive #1024Las Vegas, NV 89109-2005

PRELIMINARY STX1IPS. Marschman, P7-14Battelle, Pacific NorthwestP.O. Box 999Richland, WA 99352

M. MartinTRW, Mail Stop 423101 Convention Center DriveLas Vegas, Nevada 89109-2005

J. NelsonScience Applications Int'l Corp101 Convention Center Dr. # 407Las Vegas, NV 89109-2005

P. OsborneScience Applications Int'l Corp101 Convention Center Dr. # 407Las Vegas, NV 89109-2005

R. L RobertsonTRW-Metro Place2650 Park Tower Dr.Suite 800Vienna, VA 22180

W. SimeckaYicca Mountain Project OfficeU.S. Department of EnergyP.O. Box 98518Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8518

A. SimmonsYucca Mountain Project OfficeU.S. Department of EnergyP.O. Box 98518Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8518

Yucca Mountain Project OfficeUS. Department of EnergyP. O. Box 98518Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8518

L. SnowRoy F. Weston, Inc.955 LEnfant Plaza, S.W.Washington, DC 20024

IF

L$ hmosLos Alamos National LaboratoryLos Alamos, New Mexico 87545 ju.0 22

WBS 1.2.9.1QA N/A

v X. 3 t -

- d ;bt n 1

June 14, 1993 CC: -

TWS-EES-13-06-93-041 CC0CC,.ICQ

Mr. Carl P. Gertz, Project Manager CCaYucca Mountain Site Characterization Project Office CZAUS Department of EnergyP.O. Box 98608 CC .Las Vegas, NV 8919348608 cc: -

Dear Mr. Gertz:

Highlights of the Los Alamos Monthly Activity Report-May 1993

KC-D 113e �, 6; e � 1�7>

Attached are the highlights of the Los Alamos Monthly Activity Report for May 1993. Thisinternal document describes our technical work; however, the report has not received formaltechnical or policy review by Los Alamos or the Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project.Data presented in this document constitute predecisional information, should not bereferenced, and are not intended for release from the U.S. Department of Energy asreferenceable information.

If you have changes to our distribution list, please call Susan Klein at (605) 667-0916.

Sincerely,

Jule A. Canepau

SHE/elm

Attachment: a/s

Cy w/att:-M. B. Blanchard, YMPO, Las Vegas, NV

W. L. Clarke, LLNL, Livermore, CAe W. R. Dixon, YMPO, Las Vegas, NVrJe R. Dyer, YMPO, Las Vegas, NVN. Z. Elkins, EES-13=LV, MS J900/527L. D. Foust, CRWMS, M&O/TRW, Las Vegas, NVL. R. Hayes, USGS, Denver, CO

i V. F. Iorii, YMPO, Las Vegas, NV

S. H. Klein, EES-13, MS J521M. Martin, M&OJTRW, Las Vegas, NVA. R. Pratt, EES-13, MS J521L. Shephard, SNL, Albuquerque, NM

- W. Simecka, YMPO, Las Vegas, NVM. Voegele, SAIC, Las Vegas, NVRPC File (2), MS M321

Cy w/o att.:CRM-4, MS A150

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Operated by the University of Calitornia

MAY HIGHUGHTS - LOS ALAMOS

WBS: 12.32M.1.11 ineralogy/Petrology

Work began on 59 core specimens from UE-25 UZ-16 that were received from the SampleManagement Facility. These specimens range from the surface down to the quartz-latite caprockof the Topopah Spring Member, and from the basal vitrophyre of the Topopah Spring Memberinto the Calico Hills Formation.

Sample selections were also requested from core NRG-6. Together, these two cores will provideneeded mineralogic information for sections associated with the eastern imbricate fault zone andthe northern boundary of the potential repository, respectively.

WBS 1.29 3 21.1.2 Alteration Hitory

Schon Levy participated in a meeting of the team leaders of the Re-evaluation of SCP ThermalGoals Working Group in Las Vegas. Dave Bish prepared a draft evaluation of existing SCPthermal goals and made recommendations to modify some of the goals based on geochemicalconsiderations.

Schon Levy visited N-Tunnel at Rainier Mesa with TCO and DOD/DNA personnel andrepresentatives of the ESF wall mappers. The purpose of the visit was to examine flowingfractures and faults-features that may be encountered in the ESE. We were also interested inexamining fluid gels that had been observed in this tunnel in the past It was not possible tovisit any of the reported gel locations because they are in unstable areas that have been sealedoff. Schon also participated in a mapping and sampling session in the ESF North Ramp startertunneL Samples were collected from the first 35 ft of the tunneL The sampling activityprovided an opportunity to test and improve the logistics of the sampling operation.

WBS 1.9.3 3.1.2.2 Water Movement Test

The subcontractor, Hydro Geo Chem, completed processing a suite of 19 cuttings samplescollected from UZ-16, from depths ranging from the surface down to 1171 ft for chlorine-36analysis, plus three groundwater samples from the Amargosa Desert

WBS 12.3.4.1.1A Groundwater Chemistiy

Modeling of different radionuclides using compositions of groundwaters from Yucca Mountaincontinued. The highest Np and U concentrations were predicted in waters with the highestbicarbonate concentrations. EQ3/6 modeling confirmed the expected result but there is stillsignificant discrepancy between modeled and measured Np and U solubility. Incorporation ofsolubility data on different solid phases than those contained in the EQ3/6 data base shouldreduce the discrepancy (see solubility discussion).

WBS: 1.23.4.1.3 Solubllity/Spedation of Radionuclides

We have initiated a stability constant study for Np(V) and Np(VI) using Calbon-13 and Oxygen-17 NMR. This work is in cooperation with ongoing UV-Vis-NIR solution studies. New stocksolutions of oxidation state pure Np(V) and Np(VI) were prepared and characterized, andpreliminary modeling of the Np solution was carried out in order to estimate a pH range ofstudy.

The neptunium undersaturation experiment at pH 6 in UE25#1 was concluded this month. Thesteady-state aqueous Np concentration in the undersaturation experiment is nearly one order ofmagnitude lower than that obtained previously in the oversaturation experiment. The solubleneptunium species were examined by absorption spectrophotometry. A small fraction ofaqueous Np was complexed by carbonate. The solids obtained in the undersaturationexperiment were isolated for x-ray diffraction analysis. The solid obtained at the conclusion ofthe oversaturation experiment (ie., the solid phase used to start the undersaturationexperiment) is different from that obtained at the conclusion of the undersaturation experiment.This may explain the lower solubility obtained in the undersaturation experiment.

WBS 1.2.3.4.15.1 Retardation Sensitvit Analysis

Work continues on software for automatic generation of finite element meshs for modeling offlow and transport at Yucca Mountain. Capibilities now working include generation of 3Dhexahedral mesh from Yucca Mt. stratigraphy data base, refinement of hexahedral mesh into atetrahedral mesh and the further refinement of tetrahedra into smaller tetrahedra. Thesecapabilities work in both 3D and 2D (tetrahedra become triangles) so that exploratorycalculations can be efficiendy run in 2D.

Work continues on the comparison between explicit fracture modeling and the popularequivalent continuum approach. We are still uncertain as to when it is necessary to employ thedouble permeability mode which has two grids. We have some indications that the doubleporosity model (one grid, but explicit fractures) may be a compromise that is useful formodelling high heat load repositories.

WBS: 1.2.3.4.1.5.2 Field Test Validation

The filling of the caisson with sand is 80 percent complete. Instrumentation includes neutronprobe access tubes at each level, time-domain reflectrometry wave guides at each level, hollowfiber solution samplers, ceramic cup solution samplers, and temperature sensors. The finalfabrication of the surface distribution system is nearly complete.

WBS 1.23.1.2/3 Site and ESF Test Coordination

Surface-Based Test Coordination: Staff represented the Test Coordination Office at weeklysurface-based resting meetings. developed an alternative version of AP-5.21Q, Field WorkActivation, and provided working copies of AP-5.21Q to the Project Office. Completed a testplanning and job package for consolidated sampling in the ESF north ramp starter tunneLInitiated formal planning on Phase 3 ESF tests (Hydrochemistry, Radial Boreholes, andHydrologic Properties of Major Faults).

ESF Testing: Staff provided multi-shift field coordination and PI support for ESF north portalstarter tunnel tests, including the newly approved test: consolidated sampling. Continuedplanning for the LLNL large block test; site selection at Fran Ridge for this test is underway andplanning is complete for air coring drill procurement.

0; ~~~~~~~~~TAKE~l

United States Department of the Interior AImEg

2^7 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY _

BOX 25046 M.S. ___ _ :DENVER FEDERAL CENTERDENVER, COLORADO 80225

IN REPLY REFER TO:

WBS: 1.2.9.2.2QA: N/A

May 19, 1993

Carl P. Gertz, Project ManagerYucca Mountain Site Characterization Project OfficeU.S. Department of Energy AP.O. Box 98608 "Las Vegas, Nevada 89193-8608 -

SUBJECT: U.S. Geological Survey Yucca Mountain Project Monthly Summary forApril 1993

Dear Carl:

In compliance with Yucca Mountain Project monthly reporting procedures,following is the YMP USGS input for April 1993. If you have any questions,please contact Raye Ritchey at (303)236-0517.

WBS 1.2.1 - SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

1.2.1.6 - Configuration Management

Configuration Management Control Guidelines for Document Control,Cost/Schedule Change Control, and Field Change Control were submitted forreview.

WBS 1.2.3 - SITE INVESTIGATIONS

1.2.3.1 - Site Investigations Coordination and Planning

All USGS and LBL summary account schedules were statused. The hydrologicinvestigations program (HIP) reports that four summary accounts showedrelatively small negative schedule variances, none of which have any impact onmajor milestones, and which probably can be made up by the end of FY 1993.The largest negative schedule variance (-$16K) is occurring in sitepotentiometric level evaluation, and is caused by a delay in preparation ofthe 1990-1991 water-level data report. The primary cause of this delay wasthe diversion of staff early in FY 1993 to document the impact of lastsummer's earthquakes on water levels near Yucca Mountain. Seven summaryaccounts showed cost variances greater than $25K, five of which are underruns f i4and two overruns. The five underruns are caused by administrative delays inthe execution of pending contracts and in the filling of personnel vacancies.All of the necessary administrative actions have been executed, and these costvariances probably will be near zero by the end of FY 1993. The two overrunshave resulted, respectively, from higher than expected costs at the USBER tocomplete the c-wells testing equipment, and from the lack of funding tosupport hydrology program data base development.

ENCLOSURE 3wsu_^

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1.2.3.2.2.1.1 - Surface and Subsurface Stratigraphic Studies of the Host Rockand Surrounding Units

Minor corrections and enhancements were completed of preliminary cross-sections of proposed ramp alignments and underground excavations of the ESF.Stable-base mylars were produced and transferred to EG&G.

Isotope and geochemistry group work in support of stratigraphic studies andmapping of zonal features continued to focus on issues concerning the GhostDance Fault. Efforts were made to help quantify the lithostratigraphicparameters used for delineating offsets in the Tiva Canyon tuffs at AntlerRidge associated with the Ghost Dance faulting.

In support of surface based geophysics studies, USGS Headquarters' audits ofseismic reflection proposals were completed. Negotiations continued withpotential bidders. Planning discussions continued with DOE/M&O staffregarding safety and test interference issues.

Magnetic susceptibility and magnetometer logs were acquired in boreholes UZ-16and NRG-6. Caliper and gamma-ray logs also were acquired as subsidiary data.Logs were obtained from the bottom of casing to a depth just short ofdriller's total depth, with no operational problems.

1.2.3.2.2.1.2 - Structural Features within the Site Area

Field mapping along the Ghost Dance fault continued. Criteria for determiningthe cooling contacts within the Tiva Canyon Member were defined. The majorityof work centered on the Antler Ridge area with some effort spent to the northand south. The trip focused on providing data for the Field IdentificationSummary and the Stratigraphic Column for the study area.

Detailed mapping was completed of several square kilometers in FortymileCanyon. Three measured sections were completed and 12 samples keyed tomeasured sections of the rhyolite of Calico Hills in Fortymile Wash werecollected. It was observed that welded tuffs exist within the rhyolite ofCalico Hills, and that not all the vitric rhyolitic rocks are lava flows.

Mapping of the rhyolite of Calico Hills in upper Paintbrush Canyon shows thatthe lower part of the section consists of about 160 meters of volcaniclasticrocks deposited by pyroclastic flow and fallout and by fluvial processes. Thecomplex interatratification of these rock types has not been previouslydocumented, nor have the implications for stream-grade fluctuation andstructural events in the evolving Calico Hills volcanic field been recognized.

Work continued on the report and drawings for the Tiva Canyon data submittal.Conclusions from this report include the style of fracturing of bedded tuffsat the base of the Tiva Canyon tuff. Both dilative (permeable) and ductile(impermeable) fracturing occurs in the bedded tuffs. Classifying the beddedtuffs as an aquiclude may not be valid.

Mapping of the North Ramp starter tunnel began, after the first blast round.Mapping continued to station 0+53 including sterophotography, full-peripherymapping, and detailed line surveys. Seven samples were collected of wallrock, mineral infillings, and fault rubble. At DOE's request, geologists alsoworked on a plan-view geologic map of the drainage channel above the portalcut. DOE has requested that USBR/USGS combine information gathered by theNorth Ramp portal mapping with the geologic data mapped by Geomatrix toproduce an overall geologic map of the Exile Hill area.

1.2.3.2.5.5.2 - Characterization of Igneous Intrusive Features

Staff supporting heat flow studies report that no field measurements have beencarried out. No new holes have been made available, and none of the WT holeshave been reconfigured. Also, there are some software QA issues outstanding

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that preclude obtaining qualified data. A proposal was developed for fast-track resolution of outstanding software QA issues.

1.2.3.2.8.4.1 - Historical and Current Seismicity

Staff recorded data from the SGBSN for all of April, except for about 1 hourdue to a minor problem. Develocorders provided backup during downtime. Noevents were missed. UNR completed the earthquake bulletin through April 30,1993. A waveform data base was begun on optical disk for the Little SkullMountain earthquake sequence. Focal mechanisms have been determined for over500 Little Skull Mountain aftershocks.

1.2.3.2.8.4.2 - Location and Recency of Faulting Near Prospective SurfaceFacilities

Report preparation continued for the trenching investigations near theproposed ESF. Bedrock faults exposed in the "box cut" of the ESF portal weremapped to determine their locations relative to faults and fractures observedin our trenches (now backfilled) in the construction area.

1.2.3.2.8.4.3 - Quaternary Faulting within 100 km of Yucca Mountain

Initial evaluation of scarps and lineaments in the northern Amargosa Desertarea was completed using low-sun-angle aerial photographs. Field study of theDeath Valley-Furnace Creek fault zone was conducted. Several areas have beenidentified where detailed geomorphic mapping could provide specificinformation on the age and amount of slip for the most recent surface faultingevent on the Death Valley-Furnace Creek fault zone.

1.2.3.2.8.4.6 - Quaternary Faulting within the Site Area

Work by the isotope and geochemistry group staff in support of tectonicstudies focused on thermoluminescence and U-series dating of pedogenicdeposits offset by Quaternary fault movement. Final alpha-decay counts wereobtained from two buried soils on Busted Butte and preliminary models ofU-series dates bracket the latest movement on the Paintbrush Canyon Faultbetween 85 * 15 Ka and 148 * 7 Ka. In addition, thermoluminescence dating ofA, soil horizons from trenches at Midway Valley and Stagecoach Road are stillin progress but allow very preliminary results of about 20 and 15 Ka ages tobe calculated for two soils, and an age of less than 1 Ka for the veryyoungest A, horizon from Trench 4 in Midway Valley. Investigation of anash-rich soil horizon from Stagecoach Road also was conducted to assess thepotential for Ar/Ar dating of indigenous magmatic K-rich phases. Mineralseparates were prepared, and although biotite was sparse and appeared to beexotic, abundant angular amphibole was obtained which has potential for Ardating.

1.2.3.2.8.4.10 - Geodetic Leveling

Field operations for releveling of the base-station network were completed. Asummary report and data for 1992/1993 field work will be available in May.The technical procedure for the GPS base station survey was approved.

1.2.3.2.8.4.12 - Tectonic Models and Synthesis

A field trip was conducted to examine field relations and discuss tectonicmodels and concepts in the Yucca Mountain/Death Valley region. Participantsexamined well exposed detachment faults and recent faulting in the DeathValley area and made comparisons with postulated structures at Bare Mountainand southern Crater Flat.

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1.2.3.3.1.1.1 - Precipitation and Meteorological Monitoring for RegionalHydrology

The synoptic weather pattern kept the southern Nevada region under highpressure with dry frontal passages occurring every four days on the average.The only measurable precipitation (.02 inch) fell at the HRF; none wasrecorded at Yucca Mountain. Historic precipitation/temperature records werereceived in digital format for 31 regional cooperative stations in southernNevada and California. Complete station records were received for 12 Bureauof Land Management (BLM) RAWS stations.

1.2.3.3.1.1.2 - Runoff and Streanflow

With April being a dry month, no runoff was noted at any of the streamgagenetwork sites, except for the Amargosa River at Tecopa, 10251300, and AmargosaRiver at Eagle Mountain. These sites averages 0.63 cfs during the first weekof April.

1.2.3.3.1.1.3 - Regional Ground-Water Flow System

A bailed water sample was obtained from a 1 1/4" diameter piezometer in adual-piezometer borehole (ST-2) south of Tidewater Hills area of the AmargosaDesert. Attempts to obtain a sample from the deep piezometer (2000') in ST-2resulted in dewatering the well to a depth of 500'; subsequent pumping a weeklaster resulted in no water being produced. A sample was obtained from wellST-1 after approximately 8 hours of pumping a 2" diameter steel-casedpiezometer using a pump jack whose pump was set at about 220 feet below thetop of the casing. The pump was set in a third hole (NA-10) to a depth of700' using a portable tripod equipped with a traveling block and winch.Pumping lasted about forty minutes at a rate of 7 liters/minute at which pointthe piezometer would yield no more water; subsequent pumping the next dayyielded no more water.

Preliminary corrections were applied to depth-to-water measurements forFortymile Canyon wells. A land surface elevation reference was establishedfor three Fortymile Canyon wells, and hydrographs were graphed from the threewells. Hydrographs for UE-29 UZN#91 and UE-29 a#2 respond similarly,indicating that the two wells may tap the same hydrogeologic unit. Thehydrograph from UE-29 a#l indicated water levels several feet higher.

1.2.3.3.1.1.4 - Regional Hydrologic System Synthesis and Modeling

In support of regional 3-D hydrologic modeling, staff finalized preliminaryvegetation maps and worked on the report for Regional Vegetation Mapping DeathValley Region. A field trip was conducted to field check resulting densityand land cover classes. The field check indicated that land cover classeswere quite accurate in most areas relating vegetation density to vegetation.Some classes were difficult to interpret in high density phreatophyte areas.Since these are small areas, manual correction of classes should not bedifficult. A final map and report are projected for summer. Water balanceaccounting for the Death Valley region was revised based on earlierinvestigations and data from Nevada State Engineer. Results to date indicatethat the transient effects of discontinuous pumping in Pahrump and AmargosaValleys may have greatly affected regional water levels.

1.2.3.3.1.2.1 - Unsaturated Zone Infiltration

The surficial materials project reports that the. monthly surficial moisturesampling project continued. Although surface samples (upper 5 cm) were dry(20 to 60 bars), tensiometers placed at 30 cm indicate that this depth isstill moist (0.5 to 1 bar). In order to investigate this difference, sampleswere taken at 5 cm increments, to a depth of 30 cm, at 5 sampling locations.Gravimetric moisture content and soil moisture potential were determined foreach of the samples. Unique moisture gradients were associated with each of

the varying surficial materials. This sampling sequence will be repeated inthe future.

Staff supporting the natural infiltration project compared processed core dataand neutron logs for WT-2 wash at the N-53, N-54, N-55 cross-section. N-53data show increased and more variable water contents through the alluvium andinto the bedrock; N-54 data show little change in water content in thealluvium below 2 m and the saturation profiles suggest a long term dryingtrend below the surface alluvial pulses; and N-55 data show water contentchanges to approximately 6 m through the alluvium and into the bedrock andalso suggest a drying trend of the profile through the welded columnar unit.This data supports the model of deep infiltration occurring through theshallow alluvium covering on the slopes of washes rather than in deep alluviumat the bottom of washes. UZ-16 core data of saturation, volumetric watercontent, porosity, and bulk density suggest a low permeability confining layerbelow the Calico Hills-Prow Pass contact that maintains the water table levelbelow the piezometric surface.

1.2.3.3.1.2.3 - Percolation in the Unsaturated Zone, Surface-Based Study

In support of matrix hydrologic properties testing, final dry weights of theUZ-16 core from 1408 to 1685 feet were determined and allowed for thecalculation of core saturations to aid in the interpretation of water leveland bailing information obtained during final drilling cycles. Saturatedpermeability data interpretation has been completed on 23 runs of samples fromthe Prow transect.

The vertical seismic profiling project reports that additional reprocessing ofYucca Mountain model data continues. Analysis of some of the pre-stack imagessuggests some of the registry problems may be due to a changing sourcewaveform, i.e., as the source is moved from location to location on thesurface, its wave shape or signature changes, which may in turn affect thesignature of the reflection image. This is a problem which may arise in thefield also. Attempts are being made to correct the problem.

In support of the integrated data acquisition system, the transition from thePDP based system to a simpler PC based system is continuing. The new systemperforms four main functions - data acquisition, data transfer to Denver, datatranslation, and data display and analysis. The majority of the PC basedsystem has been written and is ready to be tested on the HRF boreholes. ThePC based system initially is being implemented as a minimal system for dataacquisition, focusing on data collection and transferring data back to the HERFbuilding.

The air-permeability and gaseous tracer testing project reports that the thirdaxle was installed on the field support trailer and the boom supports werereinforced with additional steel. The next step is to send the trailer forsafety inspections of all load bearing welds, and the boom will be load-testedat 10,000 lbs. The unit will be ready to begin field testing June 14, 1993.

1.2.3.3.1.2.4 - Percolation in the Unsaturated Zone - ESF Study

Preliminary results from an imbibition experiment that was repeated last monthindicated that water flow rate through a fractured sample under unsaturatedconditions is significantly affected by what appeared to be bacterial andalgae growth. After the biological growth was observed, the flow rate undersimilar conditions became less than half the initial flow rate when the waterdid not have noticeable biological growth. Also, the flow rate fluctuated andbecame unpredictable after the biological growth was observed. A similarexperiment will be repeated to study this effect in more details. Bacteriadoes occur in the unsaturated zone; however, the types and concentrations inthe Yucca Mountain region have not been studied thoroughly.

r

Monitoring for perched water following the drilling of shot holes and aftereach blast round in the ESF is being conducted in conjunction with theunderground mapping.

1.2.3.3.1.2.6 - Gaseous-Phase Movement in the Unsaturated Zone

A propeller anemometer was inserted into UZ-16 open borehole to conduct atotal depth flow survey. Flow readings were obtained to 250 feet. Thepropeller broke off and was lost to the well. Methods are currently beingdeveloped to allow us to complete the UZ-16 flow survey.

1.2.3.3.1.2.7 - Unsaturated Zone Hydrochemistry

Gas samples were collected from several UZ, NRG and UZN boreholes that werenaturally blowing air. The gas samples were analyzed for carbon dioxide andmethane concentrations using the FID on the gas chromatograph.

Tracer gas injection and monitoring were conducted at UZ-14 and NRG-5. Tracegas (SF,) was injected manually using the mass flow controller. Core samplesof drilling air were collected at least twice a day or whenever there was asignificant change in the volume of drilling air being injected. Theconcentrations of the trace gas in the drilling air was analyzed using the ECDon the gas chromatograph.

Staff supporting aqueous-phase chemical investigations, inventoried eightboxes of UZ-16 core received April 13, 1993. Inspected 33 UZ-16 core samples,prepared 28 samples for compression tests, and determined moisture content andvolume of water available in each core.

1.2.3.3.1.2.8 - Fluid Flow in Unsaturated Zone Fractured Rock

In support of the development of conceptual and numerical models of flow in UZfractured rock, a contract with Golder Associates was finalized to help theUSGS adapt a fracture network model to UZ flow. Initial discussions definedstrategies and goals. Golders' FracMan code has been adapted to the USGScomputer systems. As part of the conceptual design of this activity, the USGSwill continue to compile data and information about fracture orientation, dip,frequency, density, orientation and flow rates in differential stress regimes,and fracture characterization at different scales. This information will beused in the formulation of the fracture network model.

1.2.3.3.1.2.10 - Prototype Hydrologic Tests that Support Multiple SiteCharacterization Activities

The final report of cross-hole prototype testing was completed.

1.2.3.3.1.3.1 - Site Saturated Zone Ground Water Flow System

The USGS HST (Heat and Solute Transport) 3-D code is being to develop a 3-dimensional porous-medium-equivalent model of the c-hole complex (the modelcan be used for cross-hole test design, and analysis of the eventual cross-hole test results). A grid was constructed for a cross-sectional EST modelbetween UE25c#1 and UE25c#3, and geohydrologic parameters (hydraulicconductivities and porosities) were associated with seven different horizontalzones. A top boundary condition was established that represents the watertable. North-end, south-end, and bottom constant-head boundary conditionswere established to cause a flow regime similar to the one observed during theDecember 1992 heat-pulse intraborehole flow surveys at the c-holes. The inputfile for the model was constructed to embody all this information inpreparation for a first run.

1.2.3.3.1.3.2 - Saturated Zone Hydrochemistry

Lithologic data was retrieved from ARC. The data were sorted by generallithologic type, and basic statistics were calculated for each type. Becausethe results did not appear to be reasonable, the process was reviewed and aproblem was found with the ARC data. This was corrected and the data were re-sorted according to lithology and basic statistics were re-calculated. Piperplots were also made for each lithologic group using ROCKWARE. The data setwas then analyzed in SAS using the method of cluster analysis. Two data setswere used, the original and a log-transformed version. Each of these werepre-clustered. The two pre-clustered data sets were then clustered usingthree different clustering methods, yielding six tree diagrams. Thesediagrams were then interpreted and the clusters were plotted and contoured.Preliminary Piper plots have also been made. These initial results forcluster analysis appear to be reasonable.

1.2.3.3.1.3.3 - Site Saturated Zone Hydrologic System Synthesis and Modeling

The plotting fracture data, collected from outcrops east of Little SkullMountain and Raven Canyon in the Bullfrog Member of the Crater Flat Tuff, wascompleted in rose diagrams and stereonets.

1.2.3.6.2.1.2 - Paleoclimate Study of Lake, Playa and Marsh Deposits

Seven cores averaging 10 meters in length were obtained from playas nearPahrump, Nevada and Stuart Playa with personnel from the Desert ResearchInstitute, Reno, Nevada. Initial sediment descriptions and inventories forthose cores were prepared. Ostracode samples and associated field data werecollected from those same playas.

1.2.3.6.2.1.4 - Paleoenvironmental History of Yucca Mountain

Isotope and geochemistry group work in support of Paleoclimate studiesincluded collection of data in support of regional climate characterization,eolian history, and past discharge activities. Additional Sr isotopiccompositions were obtained from precipitation waters associated with Februarystorms. Sr isotopic data was also collected from additional playa deposits inDeath Valley and the northern NTS the results of which tend to reflect theisotopic compositions of the local ground waters. Criticisms of the youngU-series ages (19 to 45 Ka) obtained on spring discharge deposits in CraterFlat were addressed by modeling the effects on Th and U of some of the likelyprocesses that may have resulted in open-system behavior. These results, aswell as new petrographic evidence and new Sr isotopic results from ostracodescollected at the same discharge site, further strengthen the arguments forrecent discharge of ground water at the sites. Samples will be submitted soonfor 14C dating of inorganic and organic carbon to further address theseconcerns. Sr isotopic compositions of waters from the northern Mojave Desert,Amargosa Farms, Bullfrog Hills and Death Valley were also obtained. Resultsprovide important coverage of gaps within the regional database which providenatural tracers of ground-water flow paths. A subset of these samples hasbeen submitted for 234U/238U determination.

1.2.3.6.2.2.1 - Quaternary Regional Hydrology

The regional paleoflood evaluation project reports that flood-flow and relatedprecipitation data for the Yucca Mountain/Upper Amargosa River watershed werereduced, analyzed, and compiled into tables for the preliminary summary ofYucca Mountain paleoflood studies. These data, which span the time period1962 to 1983, will be further compiled into regional computer maps showing theseasonal (winter vs. summer) relationship between modern-day precipitation andrunoff in the area. Early results show.that less than five percent of thetotal volume of rain received by the watershed actually runs off as surfacewater--the remainder is presumably lost to either evapotranspiration or watertable recharge. Additionally, a method was devised to correlate the results

of these hydrologic analyses with that from previous evaluations of the 100-year and 500-year flood within the region. The importance of this procedureis that it provides a means for evaluating the probable long-term paleofloodrecord in the region, while enabling estimates to be made of flood-flowdischarges from un-gaged tributary streams in the Yucca Mountain/UpperAmargosa River watershed. Maps and tables that show the results of this workwill be compiled for the preliminary report within the next two months.

In support of the evaluation of past discharge areas, the analysis of regionalspring discharge was revised based on data from a late April field trip. Thisincluded analyzing spring discharge, temperature and chemistry to determine ifspring was indeed, a regional discharge component. Additional springlocalities along the Amargosa River and at Carson Slough have been located.This activity will help direct future sampling trips for faunal, isotope andchemical characterization of ground-water in area, as well as offer insightinto spring fluxes in regional 3-D modeling.

The analog recharge project reports that data was utilized from the April 1992snow surveys in Kawich Creek watershed in a detailed configuration of PRMShydrologic response units to compare and evaluate observed and modeledestimates of snowpack water equivalents. PRMS estimates of water equivalentswere too low in all comparisons, indicating the need of a winter seasonprecipitation adjustment factor and/or retarded melt timing. Continuedtesting and parameter adjustments to reduce the discrepancies are beingevaluated.

In support of calcite silica studies staff spent five days at and around theNTS measuring concentrations of soil gas CO2 and collecting soil profiles andsoil gas profiles for measurement of the stable isotopic compositions of H2and CO2. Permanent soil gas sampling probe arrays were monitored at FranRidge, Exile Hill, Forty Mile Wash, Pagany Wash, the southern flank of RainierMesa (roadcut on Holmes Road), and at the US Ecology low-level waste disposalsite near Beatty and a permanent site was installed on the top of RainierMesa. Approximately one hundred and twenty-five samples of soil, soil gases,and soil carbonate were collected during this trip. Five samples of soilcarbonate precipitating around remnant root material were collected fromRainier Mesa/Holmes Road site for isotope studies including, hopefully, ICage determinations of both the organic and carbonate fractions.

Approximately 3500' of core from drill holes UE 12 T#7, N#14, and P#2 and UE19 W#1 were examined. These holes were collared on Rainier and Pahute Mesasand were going to be sampled for calcite. Unfortunately, even though calcretefracture fillings can be found at the surface in these areas, virtually nonewas observed in the core. When it is understood why no calcite occurs inthese areas, it should be better understood why it is found in such relativeabundance at Yucca Mountain.

The isotope and geochemistry work in support of calcite silica studies focusedon continued scoping studies for developing methods of analyzing U and Thisotopes of small carbonate samples by mass spectrometry. In addition, 23soil samples from four sites were collected for determination of 90Srconcentrations. These samples will be used as part of a scoping study todetermine whether 9OSr can be used to model the chemical behavior of Sr as aproxy for Ca in the near-surface environment, and as a tracer for Sr mobilityin soils and along fast pathways infiltrating into the mountain.

1.2.3.7.2.1 - Natural Resource Assessment

Staff prepared the geophysical logs from the Felderhoff 25-1 and 5-1 wells foran open file report on the lithologies and geophysical logs. The OFR on theFelderhoff wells is expected to be ready for review by the end of May.

WBS 1.2.5 - REGULATORY

1.2.5.3.5 - Technical Data Base Input

Thirty-five data submittals were received in the Participant Data Archives(PDA). The new Dataman data base was inaugurated, which will initiallyconsist of tracking information for data received by the PDA since 11/01/92.

1.2.5.4.6 - Development and Validation of Flow and Transport Models

Hydrologic properties from UZ-16 core are currently being analyzed in thehydrology laboratory. These values are the data that are being estimated bythe modelers in the INTRAVAL program. An update data set will be sent in May.This data will include unit contacts, water levels and the any coremeasurements to date.

WBS 1.2.9 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT

1.2.9.2.2 - Project Control

A new summary account was developed to track UZ-14 efforts.

WES 1.2.11 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

1.2.11.1 - Quality Assurance Coordination and Planning

Three Activity Controls Specification Reports (ACSRs) were reviewed during theApril 20, 1993 Grading Acceptance Committee Meeting. Two of the ACSRs wereapproved.

1.2.11.3 - Quality Assurance Verification

An audit report for Audit USGS-93-06, of six technical activities was writtenincluding one audit finding and six audit observations.

Evaluations of vendors IFR, Inc.; Ruska Instruments; PBT Inc.; and SetraSystems, Inc. were conducted for inclusion on the Approved Suppliers List.Vendor evaluations for three other suppliers were also started, includingSierra Instruments, Inc.; Fluke Technical Center of Fremont, California; andParoscientific, Inc.

Internal programmatic Audit USGS-93-08 was planned and performed. The audityielded three Audit Finding Reports, four Observations and numerousrecommendations. While the report is pending finalization and issuance, itwill recommend the closure of the following deficiency documents: AFR-9110-06;CARs -90-03, -91-01, -91-03, -91-05, -91-10; and NCRs -92-09, -92-26, -92-35,-92-36, -92-38.

1.2.11.5 - Quality Assurance - Quality Engineering

Approximately 60 Software Documents were received, reviewed, and/or processedby the SCM Coordinator.

A listing of quality-affecting software was prepared on behalf of the YMPBranch Information Resources Management Representative for transmittal to theM&O contractor as requested.

WBS 1.2.12 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS

1.2.12.2.2 - Local Records Center Operation

Three hundred six individual records and 98 criteria packages were receivedinto the LRC. One was received late, and 45 packages required correctiveactions.

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Records transmitted to the CRF from the LRC included 53 individual records and87 criteria packages (1,595 pages), two publication packages (438 pages), fivedata packages (125 pages), nine backlog publications (1470 pages), and 51cited references (570 pages).

1.2.12.2.5 - Document Control

Seven Technical Procedures were distributed. Two Activity ControlSpecification Reports were distributed. All 35 Scientific Notebook Plans wereplaced on uncontrolled status.

CBS 1.2.15 - TRAINING

YMP-USGS personnel were scheduled and classroom announcements were distributedfor five classroom sessions. Additional reading assignments with highlightsheets were distributed for four QMPs. Reading assignments were distributedfor five technical procedures.

Sincerely,

Larry R. HayesTechnical Project OfficerYucca Mountain ProjectU.S. Geological Survey

cc: D. Appel, USGS/DenverJ. Blakey, USGS/CRR. Bullock, RSN/Las VegasD. Campbell, USBR/DenverJ. Canepa, LANL/Los AlamosT. Chaney, USGS/DenverW. Clarke, LLNL/LivermoreT. Conomos, USGS/WRJ. Cook, USGS/SRR. Craig, USGS/Las VegasJ. Docka, Weston/Washington D.C.R. Dyer, DOE/YMPO/Las VegasL. Ducret, USGS/DenverW. Dudley, USGS/DenverD. Foust, TESS/Las VegasD. Gillies, USGS/DenverR. Hirsch, USGS/RestonV. Iorii, DOE/YMPO/Las VegasC. Johnson, TESS/Las VegasK. Krupka, PNL/RichlandR. Pritchett, REECo/Las VegasR. Ritchey, USGS/DenverE. Roseboom, USGS/RestonD. Russ, USGS/Menlo ParkS. Sauer, USGS/NRV. Schneider, USGS/RestonL. Shepard, SNL/AlbuquerqueM. Siegel, SNL/AlbuquerqueA. Simmons, DOE/YMPO/Las VegasR. St. Clair, TESS/Las VegasT. Statton, TESS/Las VegasJ. Stuckless, USGS/DenverN. Trask, USGS/RestonJ. Verden, TESS/Las VegasB. Viani, LLNL/LivermoreJ. Weeks, USGS/DenverR. Wesson, USGS/RestonYMP-USGS Local Records Center File 1.1.02

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625 83364do

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00,'Ou'l 07,.eA)o7 P

'RECD IN YMP

f/27 /Ae

f. United States Department of the Interior =GEOLOGICAL SURVEY -

BOX 25046 M.S. -DENVER FEDERAL CENTERDENVER, COLORADO 80225

IN REPLY REM TO:

WBS: 1.2.9.2.2QA: N/A

June 9, 1993

Carl P. Gertz, Project ManagerYucca Mountain Site Characterization Project OfficeU.S. Department of EnergyP.O. Box 98608 XLas Vegas, Nevada 89193-8608

SUBJECT: U.S. Geological Survey Yucca Mountain Project Monthly Summary forMay 1993

Dear Carl:

In compliance with Yucca Mountain Project monthly reporting procedures,following is the YMP USGS input for May 1993. If you have any questions,please contact Raye Ritchey at (303)236-0517.

WES 1.2.1 - SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

1.2.1.6 - Configuration Management

Development of a YMP-USGS Internal Configuration Item Data Base was begun toassist in performing impact assessments of proposed and/or approved Ninternal/external changes. This data base will include milestones, studyplans, job packages, and technical procedures.

WBS 1.2.3 - SITE INVESTIGATIONS

1.2.3.2.2.1.1 - Surface and Subsurface Stratigraphic Studies of the Host Rockand Surrounding Units

In support of surface and subsurface stratigraphic studies, staff continuedrefining lithologic logs of core from UZ-16. A progress report is underway.The upper lithophysal zone of the Topopah Spring Tuff has been divided into a13-ft-thick phenocryst-rich lithophysae-bearing subzone, a 25-ft-thickphenocryst-poor nonlithophysae subzone, and a 153-ft-thick phenocryst-poorlithophysae-bearing subzone. Rocks texturally similar to the 13- and 25-ft-thick subzones were described in G-4 (Spengler and Fox, 1989), and observed inNRG-6. Whether these subzones represent regional lithostratigraphic units isunder investigation.

The surface based geophysics project reports that data on Midway Valleymagnetic and gravity investigations are expected to be released in a USGSOpen-File Report in July 1993.

1.2.3.2.2.1.2 - Structural Features within the Site Area

Staff supporting geologic mapping of zonal features continued field mapping offractures and geologic features within the Ghost Dance Fault system, beginning

ENCLOSURE 4#210-A

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mapping of areas within the northeast wing located on Antler Ridge. It isanticipated that the eastern limits of the Ghost Dance Fault system will bedefined at this location upon completion of mapping in the area. Work beganon preliminary detailed petrographic examination of a suite of rock samplescollected from subunits within the Tiva Canyon Tuff. This work is beingperformed to determine if devitrification textures (in addition to othercharacteristics observed in thin section) can be used as distinguishingcriteria to better define subunit lithologies within the Tiva Canyon. Threeweeks were spent field mapping in Paintbrush Canyon, Fortymile Wash, adjacentcanyons, and at Combs Peak. Details of welded and non-welded air-fall andash-flow tuff and a possible transition zone of rheomorphic welded tuff at thebase of the Comb Peak Rhyolite lava flow were described. Field relationsdefine parts of the Comb Peak crater rim, and flow foliations within the lavaflows indicate the vent locations. Added map detail includes definition ofmore outcrops in Delirium Canyon and newly observed debris- and air-flowdeposits which help constrain post-Rhyolite of Calico Hills paleotopography.Work in Fortymile Wash included describing post-Calico Hills and pre-PahCanyon erosional surfaces and detailed mapping of a major fault. Field workwas completed for the East of Beatty Mountain 7.5 quadrangle and about 70% ofthe outcrop in the Big Dune 7.5 minute quadrangle was mapped.

In support of surface fracture network studies, USBR submitted for internalreview the report, Map of Tiva Canyon. Data from the Tiva Canyon Tuff suggestthat lateral, as well as vertical, heterogeneities are present. Fractureclustering occurs and may be the rule. Some discontinuities are in the zoneof influence of faults or laterally extensive cooling joints and fractureswarms (bursts). Fractal modeling of fractal networks is required to separatescale-independent components from scale-dependent components. Previous workfocused on the scale-independent fractal nature of the presence or absence offractures or joints. Other hypotheses need to be tested to address thespatial hierarchy and scale dependence seen in the fracture fabric. Coolingjoint orientations vary and are not uniformly orthogonal. Few stations showthe accepted "conmon knowledge" orthogonality, and some cooling joints arelow-angle. Tectonic fractures from the pavement data can be grouped into setsbased on the orientation when each pavement is analyzed separately and lengthdistributions are bimodal, not log normal. Two modes of fracturing occur inthe bedded tuffs, dilative and ductile. This observation requires furtherevaluation as some models consider the bedded tuffs to be flow retardationzones.

Staff supporting geologic mapping of the ESF continued mapping of the NorthRamp starter tunnel, with excavation still in the upper lithophysal zone ofthe Tiva Canyon Tuff. The pilot bore was mapped to station 0+97, includingstereophotography, full-periphery mapping, and detailed line surveys. Mappingof the right and left walls above springline was completed to station 0+40.Several samples of wall rock, mineral infilling, and fault rubble werecollected. At DOE's unscheduled request, geologists completed field work on aplan-view geologic map and detailed line surveys of the drainage channel abovethe portal cut. USBR began work on the photogrammetric processing of thefirst stereophotos of the pilot bore from the starter tunnel.

1.2.3.2.8.3.1 - Relevant Earthquake Sources

A field trip was conducted to assess possible earthquake sources, and a tablecompiled of fault parameters for seismic sources.

1.2.3.2.8.3.4 - Effects of Local Site Geology on Surface and SubsurfaceMotions

Staff assembled recordings made at UNR portable stations near Yucca Mountainfor 200 additional earthquakes, and continued the seismic field experiment inMidway Valley.

1.2.3.2.8.4.1 - Historical and Current Seismicity

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Data from the SGBSN was recorded for all of May, including numerousaftershocks of the May 18, 1993 Eureka Valley, CA earthquake, except forapproximately one hour of downtime. Applied a program to obtain moment,corner frequencies, and stress drop for several larger Little Skull Mountainaftershocks. Calculated b-value and decay rate of aftershock sequence.Continued data base organization for Little Skull Mountain; only 32 days ofdata remain to be processed.

1.2.3.2.8.4.2 - Location and Recency of Faulting Near Prospective SurfaceFacilities

Report preparation continued for the trenching investigations near theproposed ESF. Bedrock faults exposed in the "box cut" of the ESF portal weremapped to determine their locations relative to faults and fractures observedin trenches (now backfilled) in the construction area.

1.2.3.2.8.4.6 - Quaternary Faulting within the Site Area

Significant work went into preparing for the NRC field trip. Preliminary logof natural exposure of wall 14 was prepared. Work continued on StagecoachRoad trenches 1 and 3. Trench logs were completed for the southern trench onthe Solitario Canyon Fault. Completion of trench 14D logs and reports isstill behind schedule. The primary log has been completed (TDIF submitted andtrench log digitized), but the report has been delayed until at least earlyJune. Logging of the remaining walls of trench 14D is in progress. The delayis due to unanticipated work on the ESF seismic design in March and April.

Isotope and geochemistry support group work in support of tectonic studiesfocused on thermoluminescence and U-series dating of pedogenic deposits offsetby Quaternary fault movement. Chemical separations were obtained from samplesof two buried soils in Trench 14D. Chemistry on additional aliquots of thesesame two horizons were initiated in hopes of defining a mixing curve that willyield reasonably accurate chronological information. Chemistry on aliquots ofrhyzoliths from Stagecoach Road trench 1 also was initiated. Preparation andevaluation of mineral separates from a soil layer at Stagecoach Roadcontaining basaltic ash was completed, and it was recommended that hornblendehas the potential to yield an Ar/Ar data reflective of eruption if additionalmaterial can be obtained. In addition, thermoluminescence procedures wereinitiated for a second set of five samples from Midway Valley, Busted Butte,and the Solitario/Windy Wash fault system.

1.2.3.2.8.4.10 - Geodetic Leveling

The releveling of the base station network, Yucca Mountain and vicinity iscomplete. Work on the report is scheduled to begin in July. A field crewresurveyed GPS base stations.

1.2.3.3.1.1.1 - Precipitation and Meteorological Monitoring for RegionalHydrology

No precipitation was recorded at Yucca Mountain during May. Frequent frontalpassages brought windy but dry conditions to the Yucca Mountain region. Plansare being made to add radar data collection during the thunderstorm season -July and August. Statistical analysis of precipitation data obtained from thetipping bucket gages for the period 1990 to 1993 was initiated. This data isimportant for characterizing the temporal distribution of precipitationevents, including the probability of storm occurrence, storm duration andstorm intensity. A comparison of tipping bucket data with lightning strikedata, meteorological data, satellite data, and the video record is inprogress. Results from this work are needed for analyzing naturalinfiltration at Yucca Mountain using rainfall-runoff models.

1.2.3.3.1.1.2 - Runoff and Streamflow

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Staff monitoring surface water runoff ran levels at Unnamed tributary toStockade Wash, to determine if any changes had occurred to the gage datum, asa result of winter storms. Site approval was received from DOE to installthree additional gages on Yucca Mountain. Installation began on the AmargosaRiver at Stateline gage.

1.2.3.3.1.1.3 - Regional Ground-Water Flow System

Staff supporting the studies of regional potentiometric levels and hydrologicproperties report that a bailed water sample was obtained from a 1/4" diameterpiezometer in a dual-piezometer borehole (NA-10) north of the IMV plant in theAmargosa Desert. Attempts to obtain a sample from the deep piezometer (2000'deep) in WA-10 resulted in dewatering the well to a depth of 700'j subsequentpumping one week later resulted in no water being produced. Pumping was donetwo weeks following the initial pump installation and a small amount of waterwas produced.

1.2.3.3.1.1.4 - Regional Hydrologic System Synthesis and Modeling

In support of regional 3-D hydrologic modeling, staff finalized preliminaryvegetation maps and worked on the report for Regional Vegetation Mapping DeathValley Region. Resulting density and land cover classes were field checked.A final map and report are projected for this summer. Another field trip isscheduled for June to check the last of the northern areas for mappingaccuracy. Analysis of regional spring discharge and its relation to regionalflow continued. This included analyzing spring discharge, temperature, andchemistry to determine if spring was, indeed, a regional discharge component.Additional spring localities in the northern portion of Death Valley werelocated and added. Springs in the Pahute Mesa-Timber Mountain area also werechecked. This activity, in conjunction with past discharge, will directfuture sampling trips for faunal, isotope and chemical characterization ofmajor regional flow paths.

1.2.3.3.1.2.1 - Unsaturated Zone Infiltration

Staff supporting surficial materials studies collected samples for gravimetricand volumetric water content at selected locations along the transects oftensiometers in WT-2 wash. Six closed spaced bead cone samples were takenaround N-54. These samples were used to look at the variation of bulk densityin alluvial material at a point location.

The natural infiltration project reports that five 30 cm deep fieldtensiometers were monitored. The two tensiometers in the shallow soils onYucca Crest (W27 and N71) and the tensiometer on the sideslope of WT-2 Wash(N55) dried to tensions above the tensiometer range, but the two tensiometersin deeper soils in the washes (N14 and N54) dried but remained in thetensiometer range. Soil samples were collected near each of thesetensiometers at 5 cm intervals to 30 cm to provide more field retention data.Data collection continued for modeling the WT-2 Wash watershed. Slopes andaspects were measured for use in a radiation load model to estimate spatiallyvariable evapotranspiration across the whole wash. Soil water potentials andwater contents were measured along the three tensiometer transects in WT-2Wash. A literature search was conducted to search for existing watershedmodels for arid and semi-arid environments. Results of this search indicatethat most existing models are for wetter environments than Yucca Mountain. Aprimary problem with these models is the need for a unit hydrograph forcalibration and the lack of runoff events at Yucca Mountain.

Staff supporting artificial infiltration studies report that neutron readingsat N-85 showed the internal drainage of water had stopped. The plasticcovering the ground surrounding the hole was removed, allowing moisture toevaporate from the soil surface. The periodic neutron readings showed thatthe upper 30 cm dried quickly, but that below this depth the water content isnot changing quickly. Periodic neutron readings will be continued for the

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remainder of the year so that the depth of the drying front at this site maybe determined. Bulk density samples were collected at all of the time domainreflectometer (TDR) probe locations at N-85. An attempt is being made tocorrelate measured volumetric water content with TDR determined volumetricwater content.

1.2.3.3.1.2.3 - Percolation in the Unsaturated Zone, Surface-Based Study

The matrix hydrologic properties testing project reports that permeabilitiesare being continued on samples from the Prow transect. About half of the datainterpretations have been completed and several samples that were too slow toget flow were rerun. These samples will be run again once the high pressurepermeameter is assembled. Moisture release curve measurements in CX-2 arecontinuing on samples of fine soil and coarse fragments. Moisture releasecurves on nine additional rock disks were finished to provide modelingparameters for UZ-16 modeling efforts. All rock units were characterizedexcept for the Prow Pass unit which was not anticipated in UZ-16.

In support of vertical seismic profiling studies, two 4 1/4" diameterboreholes were drilled at the CSM experimental mine site. Oyo geophone willlock in the new holes; the previous holes were too big and had cavernouszones. Logs run in the new holes were velocity, TV camera, caliper, anddeviation. Twenty-six UZ-16 cores have been prepared for velocitymeasurement.

Staff supporting the integrated data acquisition system project continuedevaluation of data from the HERF boreholes. Sensors in these boreholes havebeen operating for over 19 months and continue to provide reliable data. Thenew PC-based data acquisition system took over the data collection in earlyMay.

The air permeability and gaseous tracer testing project reports that questionshave been raised concerning the pipe connections in the packer assembly andtheir ability to hold the expected loads. If the manufacturer of the packersprovided standard 2.5 inch NPT pipe thread on the packer mandrels, as requiredin the purchase order, then there is a problem. The mandrels as presentlyinstalled at the NPT connections have 1 inch of thread unused. With thestandard 2.5 inch NPT connector having only 1.25 inches of thread, this meansthere is only .25 inches of threaded connection, which will not meet therequired load strengths encountered in air permeability testing. Anexplanation has been requested from the USER who was in charge of packerconstruction and assembly. Work on the backup packer assembly has beendelayed until these questions are answered.

In support of UZ-14 activities, arrangements are underway to purchasefiberglass pipe for constructing UZ-14. Orders have been initiated for teflontubing and electrical cable. DISAs are on hand. The pressure transducerorder still needs to be awarded. Thermistors and psychrometers have beendelivered. A sliding screen apparatus, a prototype unit, is beingmanufactured by Baker Oil Tools, but the order for sliding screen units willnot be placed until October 1993, due to insufficient funding this fiscalyear. Tracer-gas injection and monitoring was conducted. The concentrationof tracer gas is added to the drilling air by adjusting the mass flowcontroller to maintain concentration at approximately 1.5 ppm of SFc Twosample ports, one on the downhole drilling line, and the other on the up-holedrilling line, were used to draw mixed gas samples for analyses by gaschromatograph. Began logging the first 400' of core from UZ-14. No perchedwater has been encountered.

1.2.3.3.1.2.4 - Percolation in the Unsaturated Zone - ESF Study

The intact fracture testing project reports that the air permeability manifoldand the mass flowmeters have been set up for use by this test and by thepercolation test. Some of the materials for the packers have been fabricated.

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A castable, machinable engineering plastic material has been selected for useas a "blank" that essentially has a zero permeability and good physicalproperties. A design for a sample preparation cradle was completed and mostof the materials needed have been delivered. The laboratory vacuum saturationtable must be enlarged and modified. Most of the pieces for the low-pressurevessel have been completed.

In support of percolation testing activities, an imbibition experiment wasrepeated to confirm results from an earlier experiment. Both experimentsindicate that water flow rate through a fractured sample under unsaturatedconditions is significantly affected by what appears to be bacterial and algaegrowth. After the biological growth was observed, the flow rate under similarconditions became less than half the initial flow rate when the water did nothave noticeable biological growth. Also, the flow rate became unpredictableafter the biological growth was observed.

Monitoring for perched water in the starter tunnel is continuing inconjunction with geologic mapping. To date 97 feet have been mined, and nonatural water flows have been encountered.

1.2.3.3.1.2.6 - Gaseous-Phase Movement in the Unsaturated Zone

Staff supporting gaseous phase circulation studies are analyzing gas flow andchemistry data, collected from UZ-6, UZ-6s, and the neutron access boreholes,for utilization in the 3-D gas flow and transport model. They constructed avertical downhole air flow instrument and collected flow measurements fromzero to 1170 feet in UZ-16, and constructed a six foot standpipe for UZ-6s,mounted an air flow direction indicator in it and began collecting air flow,flow direction, and temperature data at UZ-6s.

1.2.3.3.1.2.7 - Unsaturated Zone Hydrochemistry

Work supporting gaseous phase chemical investigations included: analyzing gassamples from one-dimensional compression tests for C02 concentrations;analyzing C02, CH4, and SFG concentrations from five depths at the UZ-16borehole; preparing eight packers for gas sampling of UZ-16, and sampling fourintervals for two days; and collecting additional C02, CH4, and SF, samplesfrom UZ-16.

Staff supporting the aqueous phase chemical investigation project performedPh, specific conductance, and dissolved C02 analysis of pore-water extractedfrom UZ-16 (1358.05-1358.4 ft). Pore water and gas were extracted by one-dimensional compression, and tests performed immediately upon extraction ofpore water/gas at various pressures. These tests were run in an attempt todetermine what, if any, changes occur in the carbonate system during one-dimensional compression. CO2 content in gas extracted showed a slightincrease with pressure for four sets of tests. Aqueous C02 showed no changewith pressure for 10 analyses. Aqueous Ph showed a slight increase with timeafter water was extracted from the core for 11 sets of analyses. More testswill be run to increase the data base and allow final interpretation.

1.2.3.3.1.2.8 - Fluid Flow in Unsaturated Zone Fractured Rock

Staff supporting development of the conceptual and numerical model of flow inunsaturated zone fractured rock began compiling information on bulkpermeabilities and/or transmissivities of fractured rock reservoirs on a worldwide basis. Most of the data come from analyzing production and pressurechanges with time (in years). Three of the six reservoirs researched to dateare in fractured volcanic tuffs. The objective is to determine some possibleranges of bulk permeabilities/transmissivities in fractured rock using verylong term "pump" tests. LEL has completed a report on the semi-analyticaldual-porosity code, containing discussion of dual-porosity models,fracture/matrix interaction equations, shape factors and equilibration timesfor matrix blocks, and sample problems illustrating the use of the new code

for modeling infiltration processes at Yucca Mountain.

1.2.3.3.1.2.9 - Site Unsaturated Zone Modeling and Synthesis

A two-dimensional cross-section of Pagany Wash was created based on thestratigraphy of boreholes UZ-4 and UZ-5. Hydrologic simulations using theUSGS unsaturated flow and transport code VS2DT will be used to estimate theflux through this cross section. Comparisons between observed and predictedwater potentials, saturations, and water ages will be used to constrain themodel results.

LBL reports that a finer numerical grid for one of the cross sections of the3-dimensional site scale model has been developed. This grid has beendeveloped by halving the vertical and horizontal dimensions of all elements,resulting in about four times as many elements. Numerical simulations will berun with this fine grid, and the results compared to the original coarse grid.

1.2.3.3.1.2.10 - Prototype Hydrologic Tests that Support Multiple SiteCharacterization Activities

The prototype tracer testing project reports that completion of the WRI reporton gaseous tracer tests is expected to be delayed until 9/30/93 because of thestrong adsorption observed in the tuff and stemming materials by the authorduring the experimental tests. Additional tests on semi-wet materials areneeded to complete the investigation.

1.2.3.3.1.3.1 - Site Saturated Zone Ground Water Flow System

In support of site potentiometric level evaluations, the reduction of all 1992periodic water-level data has been completed, and checked. Water level datafor well VH-1 was revised because of an error in the height of the measuringpoint. New information concerning reference point elevations for wells J-1l,J-12, and VH-l was obtained by Nevada District personnel as part of theenvironmental monitoring program; this data is being reviewed prior toinclusion in the data base.

Staff supporting multiple-well interference testing report that a long-termtest of the integrity of the waterproofed, soldered connections between theelectric connectors and multi-conductor cable, and of the canister for thetransducer reference line electric motor valve, was completed. The testshowed no leaks in any of the parts testing. Soldering of electric connectorsto the multi-conductor cable segments that go through the packers, andwaterproofing the connections was completed. All 30 packers needed for thethree 5-zone packer strings are ready to ship to the NTS. Arrangements havebeen made to place them at the "sub-dock" near the c-holes.

1.2.3.3.1.3.2 - Saturated Zone Hydrochemistry

In support of the assessment of saturated zone hydrochemical data, clusteranalysis of the hydrochemical data base continued. It was learned that usinglog transformed preclustered OmeansO data, the "farthest neighbor" method,combined with a "normalized Euclidean distance" option, yielded nine well-separated clusters that can be interpreted in a physical sense. Each of the2203 hydrochemical analyses included in the cluster analysis were plottedspatially, using the geologic map as a background. In addition, major iondata corresponding to these clusters were plotted on Piper plots. These plotswere interpreted in view of previous plots based on lithologic data. Becausefor some analyses lithologic information was available in the data base, aplot of lithology frequency was made for each cluster. In addition, plots ofcluster versus concentration were made for several chemical parameters.

Staff supporting regional hydrochemical characterization visited the GrapevineRanch area near the north margin of Death Valley National Monument (DVNM) tomeasure temperatures and determine precise locations of selected spring

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discharges. Fives sites were identified as potential candidates forsubsequent sample collection. They also collected preliminary samples for21U/ZU analyses at four sites in the Grapevine Ranch area.

1.2.3.3.1.3.3 - Site Saturated Zone Hydrologic System Synthesis and Modeling

LEL staff supporting the development of the fracture network model continueddevelopment of methods of generating random fields with known correlationstructure. In addition to the turning bands method, the random coin methodfor random field generation for application to studying fracture networks isbeing investigated. Work has been initiated on the estimate bias ofhydrologic parameters based on comparing flow through 3-D random fracturenetworks with that of flow through 2-D random fracture networks.

1.2.3.6.2.1.2 - Paleoclimate Study of Lake, Playa and Marsh Deposits

The TDIF: Cores and Samples, Lakes/Playas/Marshes is delayed because coringexpected to be completed in January-February, 1993, was not completed untillate April because the extreme winter precipitation in southern Nevadaprecluded getting a coring rig into the lakes and playas scheduled to besampled. Additional coring will occur in June and the TDIF will be preparedby the end of July. Samples collected during the southern Nevada coring tripwere prepared for calcareous microfossils and other materials. Ostracodes andother biota were extracted from 25 samples collected during the January 1993sampling trip and from 3 samples collected during the April coring trip.

1.2.3.6.2.1.5 - Paleoclimate-Paleoenvironmental Synthesis

Senior staff from the Isotope and Geochemistry support group attended a weeklong training course in equilibrium thermodynamic modeling of chemicalreactions in natural fluid-solid systems. Training gained will be very usefulfor modeling data being collected from waters in the Yucca Mountain region.In response to needs of these types of modeling exercises, steps wereinitiated to spike all water samples with a known isotopic tracer solution inorder to determine more accurate Sr concentrations than currently beingobtained by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry. In addition, fine-grainedpaludal spring discharge deposits were reexamined in the field in an attemptto gain a better feeling for the field evidence contributing to anunderstanding of the history of these deposits.

1.2.3.6.2.2.1 - Quaternary Regional Hydrology

Staff evaluating regional paleofloods prepared draft copies of hydrologiccharts and tables for the preliminary summary of Yucca Mountain paleofloodstudies, which show various aspects of modern-day and paleoflood dischargerates, storm runoff volumes, and the recurrence intervals for large magnitudeflood of the upper Amargosa River drainage. The precipitation-runoffrelationships shown by the hydrologic charts are of particular interestbecause of their paleoflood implications for the Yucca Mountain areadrainages. Field reconnaissance was conducted of the upper Amargosa River,the lower reaches of the FortymLle Wash distributary drainage system, and theAmargosa Desert. A field evaluation was made of modern-day hydrologicconditions at Salt Creek, which drains the northern Death Valley area. Thepurpose of these reconnaissances was to assess the validity of numericalestimates of flood-flow discharge developed by this study and by otherresearchers in the area.

In support of past discharge studies, analysis continued of regional springdischarge and its relation to regional flow. Data collected from prior tripswere analyzed to determine if these springs represented local or regional flowsystem. Preliminary vegetation maps were finalized, and work continued on areport for Regional Vegetation Mapping Death Valley Region, and on a draftreport on the Amargosa Desert vegetation mapping.

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Staff supporting analog recharge studies completed a test of PRMS modelapplications to analog recharge Bites. Model estimates of groundwaterrecharge for Stewart Creek watershed range from about 6 to 8 inches annually,or about 30 percent of average annual precipitation. Model estimates ofgroundwater recharge for Kawich Creek watershed are much lower, on the orderof about 0.5 inches, or less than five percent of average annualprecipitation.

In support of calcite silica studies, staff spent 4 days at and around the NTSmeasuring concentrations of soil gas C02, and collecting soil profiles andsoil gas profiles for measurement of the stable isotopic compositions of H20and CO2. Permanent soil gas sampling probe arrays were monitored at FranRidge, Exile Hill, Fortymile Wash, Pagany Wash, the southern flank of RainierMesa (roadcut on Holmes Road), and at the US Ecology low-level waste disposalsite near Beatty, and a permanent site was installed on the top of RainierMesa. Approximately 135 samples of soil, soil gases and soil carbonate werecollected during this trip. Isotope and geochemistry support group work insupport of calcite silica included submitting 13 soil samples from four sitesto European Analytical Services, Inc. for determination of WSr concentrations.Results will be used as part of a scoping study to determine whether 9Sr canbe used to model the chemical behavior or Sr as a proxy for Ca in the near-surface environment, and as a tracer for Sr mobility in soils and along fastpathways infiltrating into the mountain.

1.2.3.7.2.1 - Natural Resource Assessment

In support of the geochemical assessment of Yucca Mountain, work continued onmap plots of data for the report on isotopic age information formineralization in the vicinity of Yucca Mountain. Verification of data andproduction of supporting data are underway. Staff continued revisions(requested by DOE/M&O) of the original Administrative Report to DOE, YuccaMountain Project,. 1991, on mineral occurrences near Yucca Mountain.

Isotope and geochemistry support group work in support of potentialmineralization studies at Yucca Mountain included initial preparation ofsamples collected from Bare Mountain to establish baseline chemicalcharacteristics of marine carbonate sediments from mineralized and non-mineralized areas. Igneous rocks from the same area are being prepared foranalysis to investigate possible genetic links to mineralized areas. Inaddition, a proposal for work in FY 1994 was completed, which emphasizes ageochemical approach to natural resource assessment involving studies ofgroundwater and paleopathways of fluid through the rock mass.

WBS 1.2.5 - REGULATORY

1.2.5.2.2 - site Characterization Program

The USGS author responses to State of Nevada comments on Study Plan8.3.1.2.1.3, Regional Groundwater Flow System, were sent to YMPO.

The final version of Study Plan 8.3.1.2.2.9, RO, Site Unsaturated ZoneModeling and Synthesis, was submitted for DOE verification and approval.

1.2.5.3.5 - Technical Data Base Input

Work was completed on converting transducer output to water levels on wells C-2 and C-3 for 1990-1991; and WT-6, WT-11, WT-13 and WT-16 for 1992. All waterlevel conversions for the WT wells are complete through 1992, and all wellsare converted through 1991. Staff also worked on collecting data, calculatingwater levels, and calculating regressions for the G-3 well for 1992.

Data Management Unit staff spent much of the month preparing for andpresenting portions of the USGS Data Base Management Workshop. The workshopprovided USGS staff an opportunity to discuss specific data base problems and

solutions involved in technical data collection. Discussions centered onfurther ways of coordinating and sharing data within YMP projects, and passingapproved data to the proper DOE facilities and data bases.

This month 39 TDIFs were received into the PDA. New entries in the ATDT werequality checked, leaving 28 items outstanding. Development of the data baseto track TDIFs through the PDA is progressing on schedule; it is operationalwith new entries being made into the data base rather than on the now obsoleteinterim chart. Reports to generate statistics and reminder letters will beoperational in June. Sixty-one TDIFs were created for backlog publications.Twenty-five previously completed TDIFs for backlog publications were correctedto meet current requirements.

1.2.5.4.4 - Site Performance Assessment

The 1-D and 2-D matrix models are complete and two papers have been written,"The influence of long term climate change on net infiltration at YuccaMountain, Nevada" by A.L. Flint, L.E. Flint, and J.A. Hevesi, and "Numericalmodeling of lateral infiltration into the Paintbrush unit at Yucca Mountain,Nevada" by M.A. Mcgraw, G.S. Bodvarsson, L.E. Flint, and A.L. Flint. Thewater retention curves and saturated permeabilities are complete for thefracture fault fill. A fracture and fault model have been developed and atechnical report is being written.

1.2.5.4.6 - Development and Validation of Flow and Transport Models

The final data set was completed for the INTRAVAL modeling group. Noadditional data will be collected as part of the INTRAVAL program. The dataincludes all the rock properties needed for modeling UZ-16. Moistureretention curves have been developed for the INTRAVAL data. These relationswere tested and preliminary functions used as part of the 1-D and 2-D matrixmodel. The final functional relations are being analyzed and will besummarized in a technical report.

1.2.5.4.7 - Supporting Calculations for Flow and Transport Models

All rock property measurements are complete and are being incorporated into atechnical report. The thermal properties data collected have been submittedto the PDA; a TDIF was submitted.

WBS 1.2.9 - PROJECT MANAGEMENT

1.2.9.2.2 - Project Control

Mid-year project reviews were held with all USGS summary account managers, andtheir upper management to assess progress against plans and determine wherepotential overrun/underrun situations exist.1.2.11 - OUALLTY ASSURANCE

1.2.11.3 - Quality Assurance Verification

The Audit Report for Internal Audit USGS-9308 of several QA Program Criteriawas written, resulting in three audit findings and four audit observations.The audit also verified eleven deficiency document corrective actions; tenwere recommended for closure and one was recommended to be reissued.

Evaluations of six suppliers were conducted, and two additional onesinitiated, to determine is they could be included or retained on the ApprovedSuppliers List.

Twenty-two deficiency documents were verified and closed.

WES 1.2.12 - INFORMATION SYSTEMS

i

- . to~

1.2.12.2.2 - Local Records Center Operation

Three hundred three individual records, 119 current criteria packages, and 2cited reference lists were received into the LRC. Only two percent of theserequired corrective actions by the LRC staff. Current material transmitted tothe Central Records Facility (CRF) from the LRC included 62 individual recordsand 39 criteria packages (1786 pages), and two cited references. Backlogmaterial included six publications packages, 78 other criteria packages, andno backlog cited references (1,727 pages).

NBS 1.2.13 - ENVIRONMENT. SAFETY. AND HEALTH

1.2.13.4.7 - Water Resources

Groundwater levels were measured at 26 sites. Discharge data were collectedat one flowing one and five springs. The owner of a well near AmargosaValley, at the south end of Crater Flat, was contacted regarding access to thewell for water level measurements. Well construction and operational data wascollected for the well, which is being evaluated as a replacement for well AD-6. Water level data were not collected at MV-1, AD-3, or AD-6. MV-1 was notmeasured because it does not have an access tube to allow water levelmeasurements. Debris and/or an obstruction in well AD-3 prevented a waterlevel measurement. The well will be revisited in June, and an attempt made toremove or bypass the obstruction to obtain access to the water surface. AD-6is the owner's only pumping well and the owner feels a water level measurementmay affect operation of the well. Nearby well AD-5 is currently measured andprovides monitoring data for the area.

Sincerely,

Larry R. HayesV Technical Project Officer

Yucca Mountain ProjectU.S. Geological Survey

cc: D. Appel, USGS/DenverJ. Blakey, USGS/CRR. Bullock, RSN/Las VegasD. Campbell, USBR/DenverJ. Canepa, LANL/Los AlamosT. Chaney, USGS/DenverW. Clarke, LLNL/LivermoreT. Conomos, USGS/WRJ. Cook, USGS/SRR. Craig, USGS/Las VegasJ. Docka, Weston/Washington D.C.

cR. Dyer, DOE/YMPO/Las VegasL. Ducret, USGS/DenverW. Dudley, USGS/DenverD. Foust, TESS/Las VegasD. Gillies, USGS/DenverR. Hirsch, USGS/Reston

aVY lorii, DOE/YMPO/Las VegasC. Johnson, TESS/Las VegasK. Krupka, PNL/RichlandR. Pritchett, REECo/Las VegasR. Ritchey, USGS/DenverE. Roseboom, USGS/RestonD. Russ, USGS/Menlo ParkS. Sauer, USGS/NRV. Schneider, USGS/RestonL. Shepard, SNL/AlbuquerqueM. Siegel, SNL/Albuquerque

{--A. Simmons, DOE/YMPO/Lau VegasR. St. Clair, TESS/Las VegasT. Statton, TESS/Las VegasJ. Stuckless, USGS/DenverN. Trask, USGS/RestonJ. Verden, TESS/Las VegasB. Viani, LLNL/LivermoreJ. Weeks, USGS/DenverR. Wesson, USGS/RestonYMP-USGS Local Records Center File 1.1.02

Documents

Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project …AnEq Eqpp 0run p*0r-Unyf * Cr~af * PO Box808 Lfte'o Ca~ftfn 94550 * Telephone (415) 422-1 100 * Twx 910-386-8339 UCLLL LVMF? a -' LAWRENCE

Yucca Mountain Site Characterization Project …AnEq Eqpp 0run p0r-Unyf Cr~af * PO Box808 Lfte'o Ca~ftfn 94550 * Telephone (415) 422-1 100 * Twx 910-386-8339 UCLLL LVMF? a -' LAWRENCE