In 1991 an expert panel concluded that, without roof support, Panel 1 rooms would only last between 2 and 6 years and would need modifications and maintenance to last until 1998. By 1990 most areas in the underground had been systematically rock-bolted. In 1991 a secondary support system was installed in Room 1, Panel 1. Later secondary support systems were installed in other rooms and drifts of Panel 1. Room 7 would be the first room to receive waste.
Regular maintenance is required to replace failed bolts.
Also, each bolt in Room 1, Panel 1 has to be manually de-tensioned. With normal maintenance and without remediation, a rough estimate of a 1 to 5 year safe-life is projected for all areas in Panel 1. Salt creep is pushing the rock layers of the roof sideways against the anchored rock bolts and breaking them. The rate of bolt failure increases with time. The DOE's plan to start mining Panel 2 within 1 year after beginning to fill Panel 1 may increase stresses on Panel 1 rooms.