Comparison between Near-Surface and Deep Boreholes Geological Repository

Comparison between Near-Surface and Deep Boreholes Geological Repository

Compare and contrast analysis of strengths and weaknesses of near-surface and deep boreholes geological repositories suggests that the last technology is much safer in terms of nuclear wastes storage. This conclusion can be supported judging by the fact that deep borehole disposal allows complete assurance of all major safety standards when it comes to dealing with SNF and HLW (Okko 15). Deep borehole geological repositories are also preferred for the countries that have few SNF and HLW. This technological solution is also considered superior to near-surface repository since they provide a mechanism to dispose no retrievable wastes (Okko 15). In addition, deep boreholes geological repositories allow achieving the higher degree of natural separation from the environment and biosphere. Moreover, the safety rates provided by the deep boreholes technology is considerably higher due to the fact that at the depth of over 5000 m, there is few to no underground water movement, and therefore, the threat of its interaction with the radionuclides is improbable (Okko 15). Still, the deep boreholes technology has a considerable disadvantage over the near-surface depositary, which is the economic side of the issue