Evaluation of hazardous wastes emplacement in mined openings. Final report

This study assesses the technical feasibility of storing nonradioactive hazardous wastes in underground mined openings. The results show that a majority of the wastes considered can be stored underground in an environmentally acceptable manner if they are properly treated and containerized. Various mine environments in the United States are applicable for such storage; room and pillar mines in salt, potash, and gypsum appear to be the most favorable. Although the underground storage and management of hazardous waste is both technically feasible and environmentally sound, further and more detailed research, including an economic evaluation, is recommended. (GRA)