Yucca Mountain:
Water
Contamination

 

Pro-

Annual rainfall is only 6 to 7 inches

Evaporation exceeds Precipitation. Water has little chance to be absorbed into the ground before it evaporates back into the air

Scientists predict that the long-term average annual precipitation may reach as high as 12 inches.

Evidence shows that the water table hasn't risen higher than 390ft. above its current location in the past several million years

The proposed repository would be underneath three different layers of welded tuft, slowing the travel of any unevaporated rainfall

Con-

Worse case scenario (assume total rainfall for area goes directly to waste) Location of waste relative to

Water table (waste 1000 feet in mountain?? Water table where??)

Dimensions of waste hole / how much waste held - effect on water

Geological changes to water table in next 10,000 years

Proximity of site to San Andreas Fault line, in case California detaches from mainland