Client:		Nuclear Industry
Location:		Cumbria, UK
Services:		Radioactive waste consultancy, hydrogeological risk assessment, environmental data management
Issues:		Update conceptual model and parameterise risk assessment model
Summary:		ESI developed a FEFLOW finite element model of the groundwater system in the vicinity of a low level radioactive waste repository site. The model outputs enabled updating of the conceptual model and parameterisation of the risk assessment model. Scoping contaminant transport calculations were undertaken which largely agreed with the site data. This information was taken forward in the post-closure risk assessment model.

Water balance

ESI was commissioned to review the current hydrogeological data sets available and to propose a methodology to update the hydrogeological conceptual model. The site represents a hydrogeologically complex system, due to the heterogeneous nature of the Drift deposits and the extensive Made Ground, drains, process plant, etc. which have the potential to impact on recharge and shallow groundwater movement. ESI provided a specification to data analysis and further data collation which will allow the client to define an appropriate field investigation programme.

Based on the recommendations, ESI developed a preliminary conceptual model of a reprocessing site, taking into account information on surface water, process and groundwater flows.

A quantitative water balance was developed, which defined the minimum, maximum and most likely fluxes and helped identify areas where uncertainty is high and further data acquisition required.

The study concluded that the majority of potential contamination from the trenches would migrate downwards to the regional groundwater and thence discharge to sea rather than to nearby surface water receptors. This information was taken forward in the post-closure risk assessment model.

Please contact ESI (01743 276100 / email) for more information.

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