There is a growing need to effectively dispose of the low
level radioactive waste presently accumulating in the United
States. It may be decided to "dump" radioactive contamination
products onto the deep sea floor (within 200 miles of the U.S.)
in accordance with present IAEA guidelines (see Appendix A) for
ocean dumping of low level waste; in the event of such a
decision suitable areas must be identified and carefully
studied to determine the subsequent influence of the waste on
the environment.
Using the site suitability criteria mentioned above we have
identified two areas of possible use for low level waste disposal,
one north of Puerto Rico and one east of Cape Hatteras,
as deserving further study.
The following report describes the relevant physical and
geological characteristics of these two areas that may be
important in considering a dumping operation. We have also
made some recommendations for confirmatory research.
The Hatteras Abyssal Plain, lying close to the 200 mile
limit, appears to be a viable region for the focus of future
research efforts.Prepared for the Sandia Laboratories
