An analysis of the portfolio of sites to characterize for selecting a nuclear repository

The U. S. Department of Energy has selected three sites, from five nominated, to characterize for a nuclear repository to permanently dispose of nuclear waste. This decision was made without the benefit of an analysis of this 'portfolio' problem. This paper analyzes different portfolios of three sites for simultaneous characterization and strategies for sequential characterization. Characterization of each site, which involves significant subsurface excavation, is now estimated to cost 1 billion. Mainly because of the high characterization costs, sequential characterization strategies are identified which are the equivalent of 1. 7-2. 0 billion less expensive than the selected DOE simultaneous characterization of the three sites. Because of these potential savings and several other complicating factors that may influence the relative desirability of characterization strategies, a thorough analysis of characterization strategies that addresses the likelihood of finding disqualifying conditions during site characterization is recommended.

Duke Scholars

Author Ralph L. Keeney Fuqua School of Business