ABSTRACT
Underground geologic repositories are currently considered one of the better alternatives to the subsurface disposal of hazardous and toxic waste. In siting underground geologic repositories, detailed information demonstrating the suitability of the site for the storage and/or disposal of hazardous and toxic material over the active life of the repository is needed. As with other subsurface disposal alternatives, the stability of the repository structure and degree of waste isolation is directly affected by the site geology. Nonfavorable characteristics of rock salt pertain to solubility, plasticity, and presence of naturally occurring brines. Salt is more soluble than other potential host rock by two orders of magnitude. Thus, inadvertent dissolution of a salt bed or dome via groundwater or other waters is an obvious concern. No actual geologic repository for the storage of hazardous waste currently exists in the US as in the case of Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio, reflecting economic, regulatory, and/or public opposition-related limitations.
