It directs the Department of Energy to find a site and characterize it. If the site is found suitable and a license application is approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Department of Energy will build and operate an underground disposal facility. Extensive studies have been conducted on Yucca Mountain's geology, hydrology, biology and climate. If it's completely dry, you've got a good chance of nothing moving anywhere. Paces' research indicates that there could be long term hydraulic stability on Yucca.
Water leaves mineral records of where it has been.
He describes cavities in the volcanic mountain's interior as being relatively free of deposits of calcite and opal, and where they are found, these deposits are restricted mostly to the lower surfaces. If water had filled the cavities, minerals would have been deposited on the walls and ceilings as well. Instead, our data indicate that the minerals formed from thin films of water flowing downward into open spaces. Nevertheless, Paces said he couldn't directly support storing nuclear waste at Yucca. Compositions tell us the fracture flow system has remained very stable for millions of years.