Proposal for the WIPP Site Proposal for the WIPP Site to be a Component of DUSELto be a Component of DUSEL

David B. ClineDavid B. Clinefor the WIPP/DUSEL Proposal Teamfor the WIPP/DUSEL Proposal Team

UCLAUCLA

1. Advantages of WIPP for a component of DUSEL:Very large cost savings for DUSEL

2. Particle Physics Potential: Large modules and “smart” detectors

 

3. Geo-Biological Potential: Very old bacteria and major extinctions on earth

4. Geology Sciences and Engineering

Plan for S2, team members, and Support in New Mexico

Major Advantage of the WIPP Site as a Component of DUSELMajor Advantage of the WIPP Site as a Component of DUSEL

1. Existing site owned by USADOE plenty of room for major projects like LANNDD or UNO or large liquid scintillator Detector. Large US taxpayer investment already.

2. Powerful infrastructure supported by DOE for the next 35 years: a great savings for DUSEL.

3. Very inexpensive cavern excavation: $25/ton – 35-year lifetime, long enough to possibly detect SII in galaxy or proton decay search to 1035-1036 years lifetime.

4. Large existing space: Large hall now being constructed, e.g. EXO project going underground in Fall, for detector testing and experiments. Low radioactive backgrounds!

5. We are not proposing WIPP as a deep site but a component for very large detectors!

Project SummaryProject Summary 

It is proposed to locate a site for certain components of DUSEL at the Carlsbad, New Mexico site of the DOE's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant. These components include: near-term R&D and prototyping in support of future work at a very deep facility; large detectors which benefit from the low cost of large cavity mining in salt and which do not require a very deep site to reduce backgrounds; geobiology studies involving ancient bacteria sequestered for hundreds of millions of years in the salt; and geology and geochemistry studies of the evaporite matrix, which bears unique information about the Earth's distant past and about present-day economically important minerals.

 The intellectual merit of this proposal is in recognizing that the site has clear advantages for housing those scientific components of the DUSEL program which are compatible with its modest depth. Large amounts of space underground are available now with no additional excavations; training, safety and mine operations are already in place; an Environmental Assessment is in place covering many of the hazards expected from underground experiments; there is nearly twenty years of experience of safe and legal science operations underground at the site. The site itself and 42 km2 of surrounding land is government owned and specifically dedicated to waste disposal operations and underground science. The ease and low cost of mining in salt facilitates construction of specialized caverns including separate ventilation and/or access shafts for physics experiments; drilling in any direction to implant transducers for geology studies; and drilling to allow biological sampling of the salt rock far from mining disturbances. Science areas are separated from waste disposal areas by at least 800 m and have separate ventilation circuits.

 The broader impacts of this proposal are that compelling opportunities for education and outreach also exist at Carlsbad. The location is in an EPSCOR state with an underserved, largely rural Hispanic population which nevertheless strongly supports the DOE waste disposal mission specifically and science and technology generally. A partnership with the National Cave and Karst Research Institute promises to involve local and state governments, and to tap into the half-million tourists who annually visit the Carlsbad Caverns National Park, located 30 miles from the site.

Science participantsScience participants 

IntroductionIntroduction

A half-million tourists visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park each year. The park's extraordinary caverns, nearly 300 m under the earth's surface, were formed in a huge fossilized reef that grew fringing an ancient ocean. Evaporation of that ocean during the Permian Period (~250 ma) produced a 1200 meter thick evaporite (salt) deposit, now buried 300 meters below the desert floor east of the Caverns. In the middle of this formation lies the 657 m deep Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP), the first licensed geologic repository for disposal of radioactive wastes in the US, on a 42 km2 tract permanently withdrawn and owned by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

This unique facility is also the best and most cost effective location in the US at which to site many important components of a proposed Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL).

Advantages of siting DUSEL components at CarlsbadAdvantages of siting DUSEL components at Carlsbad

The Carlsbad DOE facility is highly cost effective for certain DUSEL components because the facility and infrastructure already exist. Ultra-low background physics experiments and other scientific activities conducted by outside investigators have been conducted underground at the site for a dozen years and continue today (see Section 3 for details). Rock overburden is 657 m, providing sufficient attenuation of cosmic ray backgrounds for many purposes [2]. Natural radioactivity in the salt is about 50 times lower than in typical crustal rock [2], providing cost savings on local shielding needed for some experiments. Airborne radon in the site is at the level of surface air with negligible emanation from local rock. Radon levels underground can be further reduced by a factor of about 30 if radon is removed from the intake air. The site is already owned by the U.S. government and waste operations are planned to continue for at least 35 years. Safety and mine rescue, training, ES&H, security, and other services already exist at the site. Salt can be mined in nearly any cavity/drift configuration at very low mining cost (as low as $25/ton for certain very large cavities). A very large hoist cage measuring 2.87 m 4.64 m 4.12 m high allows objects as large as standard 8 12 foot modular buildings and weighing up to 45 tons to be brought underground intact.

Throughout the design, construction, licensing and operations phases of WIPP, beginning in 1985, the site has been managed and operated by the for-profit Washington TRU Solutions, a subsidiary of Washington Group International (WGI), under contract to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Physics researchPhysics research

The EXO (Enriched Xenon Observatory) experiment [47] is a neutrinoless double beta decay experiment that was singled out in the DOE 20 year plan as a high priority, near term goal. EXO employs a different isotope and a different scheme than SEGA/MEGA. The experiment presently has a small underground location at Carlsbad (Fig. 2). The detector, currently being tested at Stanford University in California, will employ about 200 kg of Xenon, 80% enriched in Xe-136. This stockpile of enriched Xe was produced in Russia, in part using FY02 WIPP funding for science. This is believed to be the largest stockpile of an enriched isotope ever assembled for research, with the exception of materials intended for nuclear fission or fusion. EXO has been fully studied and approved for safe operation alongside WIPP. A letter of support for the present proposal from the EXO Collaboration is attached with the ancillary documents.

The EXO assembly plan is a potent example for future experimenters at Carlsbad, highlighting operational advantages of the site. The experiment will be assembled inside portable, modular clean-room buildings at Stanford University. When all systems are checked out, the modular buildings and equipment will be brought intact to Carlsbad, moved underground, and connected together as needed. EXO plans call for the detector to be installed in the recently refurbished North Experiment Area (NExA, described below) in late 2005.

Physics researchPhysics research

A substantial upgrade of the North Experimental Area (NExA) is in progress during FY04. The main NExA cavity spans 10 m 100 m in area (1.4 acres) and is 6 m tall. It is located at the extreme northern part of the facility, well out of the nominal mine and waste traffic flow. Work already completed includes ground control and stabilization and lighting. With the remaining funds, it is anticipated that redundant power and data communications infrastructure will be installed in NExA during FY05. The area will have its own ventilation air flow and dedicated power and data infrastructure. With beneficial occupancy forecast for early 2006, the size of the NExA cavity rivals those available at Gran Sasso.

Current experimental areas at CarlsbadCurrent experimental areas at Carlsbad

NExA cavity in detailNExA cavity in detail

Geobiology researchGeobiology research

University researchers working at WIPP in the 1990’s, supported by outside funding, obtained startling results indicating that viable bacteria had been preserved in isolation from the biosphere for a period of about 250 ma [59]. Brine inclusions in salt (halite) crystals trapped these halotolerant bacteria as crystals grew to fill open spaces, created in the salt beds during repeated times of subaerial exposure. The Salado consists of hundreds of depositional cycles, most representing conditions similar to those associated with the recovered viable bacteria (e.g. Figure 1). Microbes and their DNA have now been found in several salt formations, however the WIPP yielded oldest surviving microbes and is unique as a study site due to its scientific design, extensive geologic characterization and design for use as a science facility. The thick sequence of halite rocks represents an opportunity to sample similar rocks to those yielding bacteria over geological time. Repeated features within depositional cycles offer the finest opportunity to develop genetic relationships between viable ancient bacteria and their modern relatives.

Examples of dissolution pipes in Salado halite from the air Examples of dissolution pipes in Salado halite from the air intake shaft at WIPPintake shaft at WIPP

Examples of dissolution pipes in Salado halite from the air intake shaft at WIPP. Dissolution pipes are often filled with coarsely crystalline halite with large fluid inclusions that may contain Permian-age bacteria and geochemical information about the Permian-Triassic boundary. A) Dissolution pipes at 1790 level (546 m) developed from a single exposure surface in stratified mud-poor halite (SMPH). The reddish-brown laminae in the lower part of the photograph are polyhalite and lighter beds are halite. The halite in pipes is slightly darker because of clear crystals. B) Dissolution pipes at the 1435 level (437 m) developed from a relatively flat exposure surface before gray clay draped the surface and a thick sulfate bed (Marker Bed 118) was deposited after the salt pan was flooded by fresher water to begin a cycle. C) Fine, opaque halite (generally light colored) in the upper part of some depositional cycles (1945 level; 594 m) originated mainly as efflorescent salt. “Podular” textures developed with repeated short term exposure, and modest infiltration of insolubles through porosity. The “podular” zone was later disrupted extensively when the water table dropped; coarser, clear (darker) halite filled the pipe area when the water (brine) table rose. Residual podular halite (r) in the pipe area survived local extensive dissolution. The scale (left side) is 10 cm. D) A desiccation crack at the 1680 level (512 m) developed in stratified mud-poor halite (SMPH). The upper part, possibly developed later from another exposure surface, has widened the crack. Other examples also indicate that successive generations of pipes may follow earlier patterns.

Geobiology of ancient bacteria at WIPPGeobiology of ancient bacteria at WIPP

Long term isolation of the transuranic waste disposed at WIPP is conditioned on the absence of water infiltration over geologic time. In the total absence of water, one might expect the formation to be biologically sterile. However, Vreeland et al [59] reported the isolation and analysis of DNA from the world’s oldest viable organisms (four strains), recovered from brine inclusions in salt crystals sampled at the WIPP site. These organisms were bacteria (referred to as strains 2-9-2; 2-9-3, 2-10-1, and 2-10-2 ). If their Permian origin can be confirmed, it would have important implications for DNA-dating of organisms since 2-9-3 DNA does not differ as much from modern bacteria as might be expected [60]. The dating of 2-9-3 has been criticized because stable isotope ratios in the trapped brine are typical of surface water, which is assumed to indicate a recent water intrusion. However, the known exceedingly low permeability of the salt from a very early date, and the known geologic history of the formation suggest quite a different, yet fully consistent interpretation - this is indeed surface water, but Permian surface water [61].

Very stable layering is found within some slat formations. Very stable layering is found within some slat formations. This pattern is identical to that in a modern deposit this one is This pattern is identical to that in a modern deposit this one is 250 million years old.250 million years old.

One of the primary crystals that contained living microbes. One of the primary crystals that contained living microbes. Note the cubic inclusions and drill holes. Vreeland et al. Note the cubic inclusions and drill holes. Vreeland et al. (2000) Nature 407:897-900.(2000) Nature 407:897-900.

Picture of the isolatePicture of the isolate

Earth sciences and engineering researchEarth sciences and engineering research

A DUSEL site co-located with WIPP provides unique opportunities to address important and far-reaching earth science and engineering questions. Over the last 30 years numerous geologic, hydrologic, geochemical, geomechanical, geophysical, materials science, and engineering studies have been conducted to support the WIPP mission of nuclear waste isolation. These studies make the WIPP area one of the most intensely studied and well-characterized earth science systems in the world, conferring several distinct advantages on a DUSEL component there. Basic earth science and engineering questions can be clearly formulated, and studies and experiments can be effectively designed without the uncertainty and additional cost that would arise at a less well-characterized site. Partnerships between academic and WIPP scientists and engineers will leverage the WIPP investment in applied research to help answer basic earth science and engineering questions.

Earth sciences and engineeringEarth sciences and engineering

Southeastern New Mexico has long been the focus of earth science and engineering study because of economic quantities of hydrocarbons and potash-bearing minerals, prolific caves and karst features, world-class exposures of ancient reef deposits, and investigations related to nuclear waste isolation at the WIPP. With an area approaching 100,000 km2 and a combined thickness exceeding 1,200 m, the Castile, Salado, Rustler, and Dewey Lake Formations represent one of the thickest, nearly continuous evaporite sequences in the world [62][63]. Such sequences are associated with climatic and geologic conditions that differ from today: warmer climates, greenhouse conditions, and greater tectonic activity [64]. These deposits contain important information about the Earth’s past response to global climate change, greenhouse gases, and changes in atmospheric carbon. Unlike other rock types, evaporites rarely crop out at the surface, are readily deformed (e.g., the development of salt domes), and are usually studied in cores and poor underground exposures in active mines. Few other evaporite sequences provide the opportunities offered by WIPP underground exposures; crucially, ready access to undeformed beds. A WIPP DUSEL site provides unique opportunities to address far-reaching earth science and engineering questions. Some examples are provided below.

Earth sciences and engineeringEarth sciences and engineering

Detailed studies at a Carlsbad DUSEL component would include:

- additional age dating to confirm the location of the Permian-Triassic boundary.

- geologic, geochemical, and isotopic studies to evaluate the end Permian environments and conditions bounding the mass-extinction.

- interdisciplinary studies in support of geobiological research on Permian bacteria and their genetic changes through the Permian extinction.

EarthScope is a bold undertaking to apply modern observational, analytical and telecommunications technologies to

investigate the structure and evolution of the North American continent and the physical

processes controlling earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

InSAR

SAFOD

PBO

USArray

EarthScope is funded by the National Science

Foundation and conducted in partnership with the U. S. Geological Survey

and NASA

The EarthScopeEarthScope Scientific Vision

EarthScope is inspired by the need to address

longstanding and fundamental questions about the forces that continue to shape our

dynamic Earth. EarthScope's network

of multipurpose geophysical

instruments and observatories will

significantly expand capabilities to observe

the structure and ongoing deformation of

the North American continent.

EarthScopeEarthScope - Transportable and Fixed Seismic - Transportable and Fixed Seismic Instrumentation, GPS and StrainmetersInstrumentation, GPS and Strainmeters

• Gridded sampling giving e.g., earthquake locations, tomographic models, GPS velocities, strain

Integrated analysis to Integrated analysis to derive 4-D models of the derive 4-D models of the

lithosphere is a major lithosphere is a major science driver in science driver in

EarthScopeEarthScope

Placement of EarthScope instrumentation in WIPP/DUSEL is would be an ideal scenario for both projects

The advantages of an underground The advantages of an underground geophysical observatory at geophysical observatory at WIPP/DUSELWIPP/DUSEL

Synergy with Synergy with EarthScopeEarthScope

Lost cost and ease of installation Lost cost and ease of installation

The instruments are small and portable The instruments are small and portable

Monitoring underground and at the surface simultaneously Monitoring underground and at the surface simultaneously provides a unique opportunity to study near surface effects on provides a unique opportunity to study near surface effects on a variety of geophysical signalsa variety of geophysical signals

A unique opportunity for the measurement of “in situ” physical A unique opportunity for the measurement of “in situ” physical propertiesproperties

Measurements would have implications at scales ranging Measurements would have implications at scales ranging from meters to 10 of kilometersfrom meters to 10 of kilometers

30-year plan for DUSEL at Carlsbad30-year plan for DUSEL at Carlsbad

Three central scientific observations may be achieved using a multipurpose detector in DUSEL at depths available at the Carlsbad facility:

- A search for proton decay to 1035 years lifetime in key decay channels such as

- Study of the properties of neutrino mixing including the detection of CP violation and resolution of the hierarchy of neutrino masses using a VLB neutrino beam from a U.S. accelerator (BNL/FNAL) at a distance of about 2000 km.

- Detection of multi-flavor neutrinos from a galactic type II supernova explosion.

p K

30-year plan for DUSEL at Carlsbad30-year plan for DUSEL at Carlsbad

The LANNDD 70 kT Liquid Argon detector concept [48] was recently reviewed by SAGENAP 2004 with these conclusions from the report:

The Liquid Argon Neutrino and Nucleon Decay Detector (LANNDD) is a concept for a large liquid argon drift chamber in the 100-kton range. Such a detector would have very good track and vertex resolution (few mm) compared to water Cherenkov detectors (10’s of cm). It could be realized by scaling up the design of the existing ICARUS 600-ton modules to longer drift distances and larger module volumes. The potential capabilities of a liquid argon detector cover a wide range of physical applications.

In addition, there are potential improvements in sensitivity in the search for proton decay. For some important modes (such as p K+), the daughter particles are below the water Cherenkov threshold and hence a traditional large water detector has low sensitivity. In contrast, a liquid argon detector would observe these particles. Also the detection of e’s from galactic and relic supernovae, via the charged-current interaction with argon (e + 40Ar 40K* + e-), would be better in liquid argon.

SAGENAP believes that liquid argon detectors have an important role to play in future neutrino experiments and could make substantial contributions to the effectiveness of a neutrino factory and in the search for proton decay.

The subpanel supports the idea of an R&D effort to build a 5-m test chamber to investigate the technical feasibility of a large-volume liquid argon detector, but with the following reservations: the safety of kiloton volumes of liquid argon in an underground chamber has not yet been established to levels required by WIPP or any other national laboratory.

Preliminary requirements for a LANNDD type detector at DUSELPreliminary requirements for a LANNDD type detector at DUSEL

A bit more about LANNDDA bit more about LANNDD

The development of Liquid Argon TPC Detectors goes back to L. Alvarez and was studied by H. Chen and C. Rubbia in the 1970s. In the early 1980s the ICARUS project was born. The first 600 ton detector is now at the Gran Sasso Laboratory and 2400 tons of detector are planned (1200 tons now under construction).

 

In 2006 the CERN Neutrino Beam to the Gran Sasso will start to operate. This will give us the first full study of neutrino interactions in liquid Argon.

 

It is time to plan multi-two-ton detectors. Recently the NuSAG committee has been set up by DOE and NSF. One of the charges is a multi-kiloton LAR detector.

R&D for Very Large Liquid Argon DetectorR&D for Very Large Liquid Argon Detector

There is a worldwide effort now (beyond ICARUS) to carry out R&D studies at:

 

-         - ETH Zurich: Very large drifts (20m)

-         - CERN/UCLA: LANNDD 5m detector

-         - FNAL: Studies of large structures for LAR

 

LANNDD – 5m: The UCLA/Pisa/Granada groups have started a study of long drifts using the LANNDD-5m detector at CERN

 

It is essential that along with the DUSEL program a powerful R&D effort be mounted for the various detectors (EXO, LANNDD, OMNIS, MAJORANA, SUPER CDMS, ZEPLIN IV/Max, XENON, etc.).

LANNDD time plan and milestonesLANNDD time plan and milestones

Cryostat, inner detector, cryogenic and vacuum circuitry, acquisition electronics, high voltage completed by half 2005

Functional tests (tightness, thermal insulation, argon purity, high voltages) by October 2005

Cosmic ray by end 2005

Muon beam test by middle 2006

Underground operation at WIPP site by ~ 2007

Education and OutreachEducation and Outreach- - NSF “Criterion Two” Broader ImpactsNSF “Criterion Two” Broader Impacts

This project for a DUSEL component at Carlsbad will develop an education and outreach (E&O) program that takes full advantage of the site location in an NSF EPSCoR state (New Mexico), an hour’s drive from the world famous Carlsbad Caverns. A broad cross-section of the U.S. population is represented in visitors to the area, and international visitors are common. The Carlsbad DUSEL program will partner with the National Cave and Karst Research Institute (NCKRI) to develop an E&O program. A visitor center in Carlsbad and/or at the Carlsbad Caverns would be the focus of programs in which scientists from DUSEL would visit local-area schools and other institutions to stimulate interest in the science being conducted at the site. Student research programs, which will form an important part of the outreach effort, would also be coordinated through the visitor's center.