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Process Section -- CAI Block Descriptor -- Develop CAU Flow & Transport Model DOE will develop a flow and contaminant transport model for each CAU. The CAU-scale flow and contaminant transport model is a three-dimensional, mathematical representation of the important physical and chemical features of the flow system, and simulates the movement of a variety of radiological contaminants through the water-bearing units. First, a geologic model is constructed from surface and subsurface geologic and geophysical data. This geologic model is then used in conjunction with boundary fluxes, recharge & discharge data, hydraulic head data, and hydraulic conductivity data to develop a flow model. After completion of the flow model, the contaminant transport model is developed. The contaminant transport model will estimate the extent to which the migration of radionuclides exceeds the SDWA standards above background within 1,000 years, which will comprise the contaminant boundary. The contaminant boundary will be composed of a perimeter boundary and a lower hydrostratigraphic unit boundary. As part of the contaminant transport modeling process, sensitivity and uncertainty analyses will be performed which will include estimating the impacts of alternative models on flow and contaminant transport |
