IMPLEMENTATION

The time period over which the wastes were produced, stored and eventually disposed of would provide valuable context and could be related to more than one date convention. The fact that the protection of humans and the environment is the subject of regulation should be recognised here, as it provides a key item of context for the existence of a repository.

Section 2. Facility location

Purpose and intent

This section is intended to provide an unambiguous description of the geographical location and geological setting of the facility, so that discovery of the KIF will confirm, restore or renew that knowledge for the reader.

Guidance on content

This section should report the detailed co-ordinates of the facility (latitude/ longitude/depth), using the global system(s) in force. If possible, these should include non-arbitrary reference points. The geological setting should, in general terms, describe the spatial distribution of rock types and geological structures in the repository area. Information should be included to describe the baseline hydrological and geochemical characteristics of the disposal system, as they were determined at the time of development and closure. If for the period of indirect oversight continued monitoring activities are foreseen, the nature and extent of these should be described.

Section 3. Container and facility design

Purpose and intent

This section should provide an outline description of the engineered facility, including its barrier features and the means used for access to the disposal areas during its operation, and for their final closure. It should also describe the containers used for the wastes. Together this information should enable the reader to understand the design intent of the facility, and to make sense of evidence or records (possibly fragmentary), which have been obtained from other sources.

Guidance on content

It will be necessary to avoid providing too much detail in this section. Full engineering specifications will not be required, as general arrangement drawings would provide the reader with adequate information. This section should reassure the reader that the facility was well planned and executed. The various engineered barriers need to be set out in sufficient detail that their intent and mode of operation (even if passive), is clear and unambiguous.