Data Qulaification Report Flowong Interval Data for Use On the Yucca Mountain Project

Abstract

This data qualification report uses technical assessment and corroborating data methods according to Attachment 2 of AP-SIII.2Q, Rev. 0, ICN 2, ''Qualification of Unqualified Data and the Documentation of Rationale for Accepted Data'', to qualify flowing interval data. This report was prepared in accordance with Data Qualification Plan TDP-NBS-GS-000035, Revision 1. Flowing interval location data from borehole tracejector surveys and fracture dip data from acoustic televiewer logging are evaluated in this report. These data were collected under the direction of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The data qualification team considers the data collection protocols of the USGS during the time period of data acquisition to be state-of-the-art. The acoustic televiewer continues to be an important tool for fracture logging and the early methodology for that technique has evolved with little change into the current fracture logging procedure that supports the Yucca Mountain Project (YMP)--approved USGS Quality Assurance Program Plan (QAPP). Consequently, the data collection methods, documentation, and results are reasonable and appropriate in view of standard practice at the time the data were collected. Extensive independent corroborative evidence is available from other borehole survey and logging techniques as well as from independent hydrological pump and injection testing. This evidence supportsmore » the conclusion that the tracejector surveys adequately detected the more significant flowing intervals in the system and that the acoustic televiewer data are representative of the dips of major fracture sets at Yucca Mountain. The parallels in time, location, purpose, personnel and technique in testing the boreholes that were sources for the flowing interval data support the application of corroborative evidence to all boreholes in the series. The data qualification team has concluded that the tracejector and acoustic televiewer data are adequate for generalized use and can be appropriately used in a wide variety of applications, so long as consideration is given to accuracy, precision and representativeness of the data for an intended use in a technical product. This qualification report addresses the specific flowing interval data sets selected to support the flowing interval studies in the Analysis and Modeling Report (AMR) ''Probability Distribution of Flowing Interval Spacing'' (Kuzio 1999). This AMR presents an analysis of the spacing of flowing intervals in the saturated volcanic rocks beneath Yucca Mountain. Based on a preponderance of evidence, the flowing interval data used in the AMR are recommended to be qualified for inclusion in technical products in support of the Site Recommendation for generalized uses as described in this report.« less