A conceptual design is being developed in support of the Department of Energy's study of a potential site for a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain. This design can be used to support the recommendation of that site for characterization if so designated by the Department of Energy. In the event that the Yucca Mountain site is chosen for development as the first repository, the conceptual design and subsequent preliminary engineering designs could be used to develop design specifications for repository construction. The design addresses the unique surface and subsurface characteristics of the volcanic tuffs at Yucca Mountain. A candidate horizon has been identified approximately 300 meters below the surface and about 100 meters above the water table.

The design activities are being conducted in a manner to attempt to control and reduce to the extent practicable the impact exerted by the repository on the containment and isolation capability of the site. This process consists of careful iteration of design, analysis and interpretation of results to ensure long-term containment and isolation requirements are met and that short-term operations and costs are acceptable.