Problems of underground storage of wastes

Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey
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Abstract

Problems of underground storage of waste involve geology in its broadest sense, including hydrology, geochemistry, and geophysics. Wastes may be solid, liquid, or gaseous, and they may be chemically toxic or noxious, esthetically offensive, or radioactive. Some wastes require only temporary containment, whereas others must be isolated for indefinitely long periods. The means and locale for emplacement underground depend upon many governing geological factors, including the physical, chemical, hydrological, and hydraulic properties of the host formation. These must be studied relative to the physical, chemical, and thermal properties of the waste and of potential interactions between the waste and the host formation. Thorough knowledge is essential because lack of it may lead to undesirable or disastrous environmental consequences. Escape of waste may contaminate the surface or near-surface environment; it may destroy the usefulness or accessibility of resources such as ground water, petroleum, and minerals. Effective management of underground waste requires adaptation of current technology and development of new technology.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Problems of underground storage of wastes
Series title Journal of Research of the U.S. Geological Survey
Volume 1
Issue 6
Year Published 1973
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Description 5 p.
First page 719
Last page 723
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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