EHMCCRn HMMAN SOTwF B NaL NEEDSAND SCHE P ;OS SEIIC NEEDI

Report of the Task Group for Evaluation of theDivision of High-Level Waste Management

0witer Hardware and Softwre Needs

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory QCtmissionWadIintca D. C.

D. L. Chery, Jr., Ooordinator

August 24, 1990

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1. INTRODWCrION 1

2. PURPOSE AND REORC 10ANIZATION 1

3. BACKROND 2

4. FUNCTIONAL NEEDS 44.1 License Review Capability 74.2 Site Characterization Review 134.3 NWPA Regulatory Requirements and Guidance 144.4 Management Support and Other considerations 15

5. RPIEICNS AND DISCUSSION 155.1 Recmendations 165.2 Discssion 16

6. REFEPENCES 20

F GJRES1. Structure of License Development and Evaluation 3

2. Configuration of present EHIWM Cmputer Resources 5

3. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Cbmtission munications 6Network with HKWM Interfaces

APPENDIX - TASK-G01UP PAWICIPANIS 21

Cover. Rudimmntary beginning at cmputer aided visualizationof the saturated grcirdwater system in the vicinity ofYucca Mountain, Nevada. EPepared by William Ford,U.S. Nuclear Regulatory ommission, 1990.

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WHM CaOHR EHIMRE AND hO7E FN ale NEEDS

AND SOME PROED SPACMC NEEDS

Report of the Task Group for Evaluation of theDivision of High-level Waste ManagementCmputer Hardware and Software Needs

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory CcmmissionWashimton D. C.

D. L. Clery, Jr., Coordinator

August 24, 1990

1. InTRWcDlN

Under the requirements of the amended Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 (NWPA),the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is required to submit to the U.S. NuclearRegulatory Commission (NRC) a license application (LA) for the purpose ofconstructing and operating a mined geologic repository for the disposal ofhigh-level radioactive waste (HEMW. Before the Ccmuission can reach adecision to grant a construction permit and eventually a license to DOE toreceive HIW for storage in the repository, the staff must make a technicaldetermination that DOE has drmonstrated compliance with the pertinentregulatory requirements in 10 CFR Part 60.

To support the requireements of NWPA and conduct the review of DOE's IA, theDivision of High-Level Waste Management (DFIIWF has stated in itsFive-Year Plan that it would develop methods and a capability to independentlyevaluate DOE's technical evaluations and findings about the natural system andthe repository design. This indeperdent review capability would includedeveloping analytical methods (including cxmputer models and other appropriateanalytical software) and developing the technical staff capability to usethese resources and methods. The review methodologies and procedures will bedocumented in review plans.

2. *URPOSE AND RIF ORGANIZAiTICON

The purpose of this report is to describe the functional needs for the EHIRMtechnical evaluations that will require ccqxmter hardware and software. Fromthese descriptions of functional needs, the appropriate computer systems canbe designed. The needs that have been developed in this report respond to therequest from R. E. Browning, (1990) to assist him in evaluating the long-rangecomputer hardware and software needs for the Division in the context of anintegrated plan for the entire Division.

This report focuses only on the functional needs of the EHIkM staff.Interactions and communications with other groups and organizations, such asthe Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses (CNWRA, or the Center), areindicated, but the evaluation was not intended to describe functional needsfor such supporting organizations.

A list of the participants in the Task Group is given in the Apeindlix.

r i X.

This report has been arranged to provide some brief background informationthat includes an explanation of the structure of the work (flow ofinformation), the assumptions on which this evaluation is based, and a briefdescription of the present DIMWM computer resources. The immediate andprojected five-year needs for computer hardware and software are expressed asfunctional needs. The functional needs are those capabilities necessary forthe staff to make the technical determinations that the data, information,interpretations, and eventual designs comply with the regulatory requirements.

3. BACrEGROUND

For the DOE technical staff to make the demonstration and the NC technicalstaff to make a determination that the public safety and welfare have beenprotected according to prescribed regulatory requirements, they will process,evaluate and communicate a voluminous amount of data and information. Thegeneral relationship for the flow of information and major areas of evaluationfor the develcpwnt and review of a repository license application are shownin Figure 1. DOE has evaluated the regulatory requirements and developed an"Issues Hierarchy" that it used to guide the information needed andconsequently the design of the site characterization program and repositorydesign program. In a parallel fashion, NR1 is making a "systematic RegulatoryAnalysis" that results in a set of "information needs" that if provided, wouldsatisfy the regulatory requirements. Basically, these information needs willbe satisfied from the extensive amount of data collected frcm sitecharacterization and those data existling in the general store of physical dataand other information. The transition from the site characterization andgeneral information to satisfying the requiirements of the regulations will beaccomplished by the technical evaluations and analyses that constitute ademonstration by DOE or a determination by NRC. Also, compilations of siteinformation will be used by the engineering staffs for designing thestructures and all the necessary omzonents of a repository. Designinformation will then be used, possibly for several iterations, to evaluateccmplianoe with all siting criteria and subsystem performance cbjectives andthe total system performance. Audits will be used to maintain a vigilance,checking for "compliance with appropriate quality control procedures andchecking that these procedures are being "effectively implemented."

This general representation for the structure and flow of technicalevaluations and information is provided to assist in develcping the computerhardware and software needs.

Assunptions on which the task group based its develqpnent of functional needswere:

NRC technical staff will have "read-only access" to DOE databases andomputer programs (codes), where they reside on DOE cpzoxlters, throughhigh-speed ccmmiunicaticn lines.

The Lioensing Support System (ISS) will be available for retrieval oftext (and image) information from "high priority" doouments andcorrespondence by early 1994 (Report to the Advisory Oommittee forNuclear Waste (ACNW) by Lloyd Donnelly on May 25, 1990, p. 202).

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4

REGULATIONS

NRC DOESys. Reg. Analysis Issues Hierachy

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Tech. analyses

Data synthesis

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Site Characterization4~

Figure 1. Structure of License Development and Evaluation

In addition to the NRC-supported NUMOCS docu-rent reference system, theEHIMM will maintain and support access to Division reference documentdata bases (Hydrologic Transport technical reference data base and thereferences of the Site Characterization Plan (SCP)) until the ISS becomnesoperational.

NRC staff will be expected to use available methods, models, and codesand to develop methods, models, and write ccmputer programs.

NRC technical staff will be provided with oottputer hardware and softwarecacimensurate with that used by its supporting contractor (i.e. CNWRA).

NRC staff will be trained and provided necessary and appropriateexperience to become coupetent with medel theories, data reqdrirmnts,program operation, and analysis of results.

For reference, the configuration of the present [HINM cxnixiter and softwareresources is shown in Figure 2, and the relation of these resources to the NRCccurfuter ccmmunication system and cmputer support services of the C!WRA isgiven in Figure 3. Based on the assumptions above and the computer andcommunication configurations shown in Figures 2 and 3, there are considerablecxmputer and communications interfaces required for EUMM support. Thefunctional needs to use and improve these resources will be developed in thefollowing sections.

4. FUNCTICNGAL NEEDS

The functional needs for staff technical evaluations, which will requireccmitber hardware and software, have been expressed in terms of three budgetactivities (License Review Capability, Site Characterization Review, and NWPARegulatory Requirements and Guidance) and a fourth category called ManagementSupport and Other Considerations. The License Review Capability has beendivided into three major sub-activities for develcpment of the functionalrequirements. Thus, six sets of functional needs have been developed, asshown below:

A. License Review Capability1. Analysis Metod Preparation - Finctional Needs2. Iterative Perfonnne Assent - Functional Needs3. Review Plans Preparation - Functional Needs

B. Site Characterization Review4. Report Review - Functional Needs

C. NWPA Regulatory Requiremnts and Guidance5. Rulemaking Support, Technical Positions, Systematic

Regulatory Analysis, and LA Format and Content Guide -Functional Needs

D. Management Support and Other Considerations6. Management support - Functional Needs

4

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Total DHLWM PC's a 51 ----- 0- e Dial-up

Networlc/Leased Line(Dlrect Channel(Phone/Modem(Stand-Alone

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Figure 2. Conliumidon of Present DHLWM Computer Resoures

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1000" HLWM Node.SwR I | FTPOGC

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_ I~I492-R49 j ANS Autodial Netwk System Note: All boxes labeled ANS While Flint are2400A =I Systems Planned for the NetWork actually the same physical box.

Figure 3. U.S. Nuclear Regulatoy Commission Communications Network with IILWM Interfaces

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(Note: The structure and descriptions of the NR Division of High-Level WasteManagement (DENID) program were abstracted from a note by Robert Johnson(3/27/90), Subject: "Revised Strategic Analysis of MIWM Five-Year PlanActivities," and "U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Cummission Fy 91-95 Five-Year Plan;Chapter VI, High-Level Nuclear Waste Regulation Mission Area, High-levelNuclear Waste Regulation, High-Level Waste Licensing Program," pp. 20-31,Draft 05/24/90.)

4.1 (A.) License Review Capability

Resources are needed for the technical staff to develop methods and acapability to independently evaluate DOE's License Application. The overallneed to develop this capability has been covered, for the pFurpose of HLM'splanning and budget assumptions, in the "Licensing Review Capability" programarea, which has been divided into the following three major subordinateprogram areas:

1. - Analysis Method Preparation2. - Iterative Performance Aessment3. - Review Plans Preparation

4.1.1 (1.) Analysis Method Preparation:

A fundamental aspect of the license review capability will be thedevelopment and use of various technical analyses that will be needed toevaluate DOE's investigations, reports, demonstratiorns of favorable andadverse conditions, and evaluations of subsystem performance. Suchanalyses will be involved in many aspects of preparing for and making alicense review, such as natural systems descriptions, representation ofnatural system processes, subsystem modeling, engineered barrier design,waste package design, and the operations facilities design.

Analysis Functional Needs:

Analytical Activities

Capabilities are needed to obtain data, manage and manipulate datafiles, and analyze these data.

Capabilities are needed to copy into files on the staffs'personal CoCpiters (PCs) or into the files on mainframecouputers, used interactively by staff, subsets of numericalphysical data from the ccamter data base files of:

ME, Sandia - SEPDB, records of datamaintained by DNES (SEPDB Staff, 1990)

WE, USGS - Meteorological data base,,reords of data, PC data base.

ME, USGS - Well level records, recrds ofdata,

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DOE, USGS - Souathern Great Basin Seismic Network database

DOE, Sandia - Stratigraphic cross-section data, (Ortiz, etal., 1985)

DOE, Sandia - Sorption data (SSEM II), 3000+ sorptionratios with associated experimental design,water chemistry, and stratigraphic andmineralogical data (dBase III]. (Bayley, etal., 1990)

DOE, Sandia - Density/porosity data-Yucca Mt. tuffs.(Sdwartz, 1990)

DOE, UINL - Ilerm xlnamic data base for geochemical& NEA model, EQ3/6. (Waner, 1986)

DOE, OR4L - Sorption data. (Meyer, 1989)DOE, NIS - Meteorological data base,DOE, NIS - Well level data base,DOE, EG&G - Geographic Information System dataUSGS - wAIs2DRE dataUSGS - Digital elevation model data and digital

line map dataUSGS - Digital geologic map data baseUSGS - National Earthquake Information Service dataUSGS - Well log dataUSGS - Geophysical (gravity, magnetic, seismic

reflection and refraction) dataUSGS & others - satellite image dataUSGS & others - aerial phxotographs/video imagesNational Weather Service - Meteorological data,USDA,SCS - Soils data, soils mapsUSAlARS - Rainfall, runoff, watershed dataCenter for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analysis - technical

data basesNRC/NMSS - technical staff data bases

(Note: [The source of many types of data for the YuccaPMutain site can be found in Tien, et al. 1985)(Note: Regarding data transmittal, there have been Federalendeavors to facilitate the high-speed transmittal ofdata, with the 'WHigh-Performanoe Cxputing Act of 1990"[U.S. Gov. Printing Office, 1990])

Capabilities are needed to manage and manipulate small to largedata bases/files that will require appropriate crruxiterhardware. Also, such capability will require appropriatesoftware such as:

tausdBASEEXCELPARAOXAdvanced RevelationStaff-written programsClient server software suitable for local Area Networks

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7 v

Capabilities are needed to analyze and display spatial andteuporal data such as:

-Geographic Information System (graphical overlays ofmary sets of spatial data requiring special software andcoiqiter hardware to display high-resolution colorimages).

-'Three-dimensional image construction with rotation andzocm-in and -out to any scale, displayed on high-resolution color monitors.

-Construct geologic stratigraphic and structural featuresmodels using such software as:

* Interactive Surface Modeling(Dynamic Graphics)* CPS-1,CPS/FE, CPS/PC(Radian)* B/Z-lAP, Z-EDIT, SnMFiVIEW, Z-cAP, ZSt, ZIAND,

ZCL(ZYCDR)* CA (GE)* IGIS* AGS/880, Applicon 885 Graphics System (Ortiz, et

al., 1985)-Correlate different geophysical logs by overlayingdifferent ones.

-Correlate different geophysical surveys (i.e. gravity,magnetic, anid seismic).

-Conform digital elevation model data prepared by the USGSwith the geologic structure and stratigraphic modelsdeveloped for a given site or region.

-Calculate and display two and three dimensional plots ofdata.

-Derive any desired two-dimensional cross-section orthree-dimension grid information from the conformedsurface topography and subsurface geologic models, foruse in numerical flow and transport models.

-Utilize general visualization techniques (Pellerin, 1990;and Hosinski, 1990)

Capabilities are needed to analyze and make Assessmnts forde-terminations Of whether DOE has adequately dxxixstrated thata repository can be constructed and operated at a given site,as required by regulation. The staff will need the capabilityto:

-Compile and run a variety of engineering andscientific cmpuxter programs (codes) such as:DCX-3D(Sandia), VAM2D(HydroGeologic Inc.), M3DFE(USGS),lWMU, PaRFLD-3 (FWI/CNA), NEFTRAPN-2 (Sandia)

-Construct natural systems models (i.e., geologicstructure, topographic, runoff/infiltraticn, flow,flow/transport, etc.).

-Make assesmments of thermal and other pertinent effectsin making evaluations of the behavior of cixipnents of awaste package.-Check DOE's designs, which will include analyticalmethods to evaluate the engineered barrier system (EBS)and the specific waste form that is part of the EBS.

9

-Prepare couiplex input files for carputer models.-Display, graphically, c=Mpter model results in two andthree dimensions.

-Electronically capture and format digital data framprinted graphic and text material.

-Digitize maps, charts, and graps.-Develop/use artificial intelligeni/expert. ystemsoftware.

-Make statistical analyses and use geostatistical codesand sensitivity codes (regression and adjoint).

Literature Search and Report Preparaticn

Capability is needed to "captures selected two- and three-dimensional graphics and images and incorporate them in writtenreports or other documents being prepared by the technical staff.

Capability is needed to flow-chart coxuputer programs written bystaff and incorporate flow charts and program listings in reports.

Capability is needed for the NRC staff to interrogate and extractinformation from the CNWRA "Program Architecture System," whenmaking evaluations or preparing technical reports.

Capabilities are needed to control and manage existirn in-housefiles of technical references used by the technical staff (e.g., theHydrologic Transport Section file of references [over 500 referenceson a dBase data base], the file of SCP references, and other suchin-house reference files at aNWRa and other locations) and thecapability for all staff to access information fran these files forreference and incorporation in analyses and written reports.

Capabilities are needed for access to and use of existing"out-of-house" reference databases such as one currently at NationalInstitute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (planned forincorporation in the aMWRA database) containing waste-package datacitations and data reviews. That database contains over 1000pertinent citations with abstracts and about 110 data reviews.These numbers are expected to continuously increase so and isexpected to have about three times this amount in five years.

Capability is needed to digitize and store information from aprinted page for coqposition of technical reports requiring citationof reference material from printed published papers, letters, etc.

Capabilities are needed to use the Licensing Support System (ISS)when it becomes available, and to provide the associated documentmanagement and quality control requrinmts for HMW docunents, asprcmulgated by 10 CER Part 2, Subpart J. Note, the 155 will notprovide the "read-only" anaess to scientific and technical databases that will be needed in the technical analyses disoassed insection 4.1.1.

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Specific Needs:

Hardware needs

Personal cciiters (PCs) with 386-486 processors or equivalentHigh-resolution graphic work stations (ccaparable to CaM Silicon

Graphics)PC tmry upgrades (4-8 megabytes Cnmory, at least)PC math co-processors (chips)PC increased hard-disk storageHigh speed (56IB or higher) leased line to CNWRA fram NRC IBM 9370IBM 9370 connection to commercial/DOD networksAccess to laser printers and plottersMemory upgrades of existing laser printersAccess to color printerData base access thrugh low-noise linesData base access throuh high-speed modemsDigitizer to digitize graphical dataScanner to convert text data to digitized formTocal area networkOptical disk drives (CD ROAs)Fax boards

Software needs

Upgrade PC cperatirq systems (052, Unix, etc.)Graphical interfaces (Windows, XWindows, Matif, etc.)PC ocapilers(i.e. Iahey EM32-F77L Version 3 FRrtran)Mediumr- to high-end graphic software packagesVarious programming and file manipulation utilitiesHard-disk utilities, to maintain the increased disk storageCapitxer-aided design software (AutoCad, etc.)7hree dimensional graphics programs (Wavefront - Data Visualizer,

Visualizer Paint and Advanced Visualizer Server; etc.)Flow-charting software to document ccuputer programs

4.1.2 (2. ,I Tt---rativp PP-rfnrmrrnP----- ---- -

A significant aspect of the licensing review capability and the analysismethods is uderstanrding and developing a methodology to make aperformance assessment (PA) of the overall repository system, therebydetermining that the Invironmental Protection Agency (EPA) CmulativeRelease Standard has been met. Performance assessment is a synthesisthat requires the foundation of and information from the "analysismethods" activities. Thus in addition to the needs for the "analysismethods," performanc assessment has same additional needs, as expressed.

11

Performance Assessment Farctional Needs:

Capability is needed to implement the Sandia performance assesmentmethodology.

Capability is needed to use such cBimuter programs as "CodeCouplers" and NEFIAN-2.

Capability is needed to make irdeperdent performance assesmentevaluations.

ihe NRC staff needs to be capable of using developed cxrqutermodels and codes, and of using or developing the following:

-System codes-Appropriate configurations of flaw and transportmodels for a given system

-Apprqpriate configurations of radionuclide source termcodes

-Apprcpriate configurations of heat transfer models,including thermal convection

-Appropriate configurations of thrixiechanical response-Appropriate representation of geologic structuraldeformation

-Graphical output codes-Data base manipilation codes

Capability is needed for NRC staff to modify couputer programe/oodesto meet a particular need or to use on a different omppter system.

Capability is needed for NRC staff to develop their own cxmqutercodes on an ad hoc basis.

Specific Needs:

Hardware needs

Personal computers with at least 6 to 8 megabytes RAM on at least a386 crxrbter.Memory upgrades for 386 capiters to at least 6 megabytesMath co-processor upgrades to all 386 coxmpxters (INTEL 80387)Math co-processor upgrades to all nrx-386 crmpuatersConnection to ccmnercial/DOD networksMemory upgrades for HP Laserjet printers for ehaced graphics (1megabyte min.)

So-ftwar needs

Fortran compilersLahey F77L version 4 (for non-386 coxuipters)Lahey F77 EM/32 Version 3 (for 386 compters)

Graphical processorsGRMM (Golden Inc.)SIJRF (Golden Inc.)

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4.1.3 (3.) Review Plans Preparation:

The staff will prepare a number of review plans, to guide its review ofDOE's overall licensing program. A License Application Review Plan(LARP) will guide the staff's review of the data collection activities,data, and assements throughout DOE's site characterization program,preliminary site characterization sufficiency, and, ultimately, thelicense application (LA). The IARP will integrate and focus the staff'sregulatory programs and analysis method capabilities with the reviewcriteria and procedures the staff will use to conduct its independentreview of DOE's LA, including PA. In develcping the tARP, the staff willdevelop a License Application Review Strategy (tARS), from which aPerfonmnae Assessment Review Strategy (PARS) is to be prepared based, inpart, on DOE's Performance Assessment Strategy Plan (U.S. DOE, 1990).

Review Plan Preparation Functional Needs:

Capability is needed for staff to reference the technicalevaluations done under analysis methods and iterative performanceassessnt.

Capability is needed for staff to reference the document referencesand incorporate selected information, tables and figures in thewritten guidance or review plans being prepared by the staff.

[Refer to the "Literature Search and Report Preparation" section ofthe "Analysis Functional Needs" - similar capabilities are neededfor this activity.]

*Specific Needs:

[No additional ones identified, refer to pp. 10-12]

4.2 (B.) Site Characterization Review

NRC review of the SCP progress reports will focus on: 1) new informationabout the site, design, and performance estimates; 2) new issues andplans to resolve them; 3) changes to the original plans and schedules;and 4) DOE's progress toward resolving potential licensing issues. NRCalso will be reviewing Study Plans, Site/Repository Technical Reports,and Major Design Reports. Technical staff will be involved in technical"interactions" with DOE technical staff, ACNW, NWIRB, and NAS.

Since the basis for satisfying the information needs arising from theregulatory reqiirements regarding the protection of public health andsafety will be, in part, the extensive amount of data collected from sitecharacterization, this activity will provide the major amBmt of materialthat can be used in the development of the license review capabilitydescribed in Section A, above. As information from site characterizaticnbecanes available, these data will be used by the NRC technical staff, to

13

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the extent they are able with the provided Icaniter resources, to gainexperience indeperdently cnfirmig DOE's de=trations of variousoItponents of the geologic repository performance.

4.2.1 (4.) Report Review Functional Needs:

Capability is needed for staff to check calculations, modelpredictions, analyses, and data in DOE tecfrnical reports.

Capability is needed for staff to quickly access and use (importtext material) reference information and other file informationrelevant to the review and evaluation of DOE study plans and othersite characterization documents.

(Refer to the "Literature Search and Report Preparation" section ofthe "Analysis Functional Needs" - similar capabilities are neededfor this activity.]

Specific Needs:

[No additional ones identified, refer to pp. 10-12]

4.3 (C.) NWPI PRmalatory Reciuirements ard Guidance

1b provide reasonable assurance that DOE's license application can bereviewed within the 3-year period mandated by the NWPA, NRC will provide,by FY 1998, appropriate and timely regulatory guidance to DOE. NRC willdevelop technical positions to clarify the meaning of certainrequirements of 10 CFR Part 60, describe what imst be proven to

. demonstrate coirplianc with the NRC regulations, give criteria foracceptable testing or analysis methods, and resolve potential licensingissues.

4.3.1 (5.) RulegamhiM SugAort. Technical Positions. SvstematicREgulatory Analysis. and IA Format and ontent Guide - Functional

Capability is needed for staff to check calculations, modelpredictions, analyses, and data in DOE technical reports and openliterature reports.

Capability is needed for staff to quickly access and use (inporttext material) reference information and other file informationrelevant to the review and evaluation of DOE docrments and otherliterature.

Capability is needed to access and use the CNMA programarchitecture suport system (PASS) data base.

14

[Refer to the "Literature Search and Report Preparation" section ofthe "Analysis Fwictianal Needs" - similar capabilities are neededfor this activity. ]

Specific Needs:

[No additional ones identified, refer to pp. 10-12]

4.4 (D.) iNB t 2&V t aid Other Si a

Certain managent functions are needed to support the technical analyses,review plan preparation and reviews as expressed below:

4.4.1 (6.) Manaqent SuhXort Furactional Needs:

Capability is needed for imuidiately providing the appropriatehardware and software support services to the Division staff (i.e.,expand staffing plan to provide for cxxiuter support personnel orhave such staff detailed from IIM to the Division)

Capability is needed to make trend analyses. Staff needs capabilityto identify, track, and evaluate trends in the DOE standarddeficiencies reports of their quality assurance audits. (Ref.MKmorandum J.W. Gilray to J.J. Linehan, 6/15/90, p. 4, item D.)

Capability is needed to maintain an "Open Item Tracking" system.

Capabilities are needed to prepare PERT charts and make variamsassessents of staff resources and utilization, as needed, inproject management.

Capabilities are needed at the Onsite Representative office toprepare high quality printed material, i.e., letters, charts,overheads and have (E-mail) communications with Headcsi~arters.

Specific Needs:

- Local Area Network (IAN) to rapidly exchange data (documents andgraphics)

- Planning and project management software

5. HRB9YlMNrI¶ON AND DISfESICN

As has been presented, the DOE technical staff will be making a demonstrationand the NRC technical staff will be making a determination that the publicsafety and welfare have been protected according to prescribed regulatory

15

requirements. To do so they will process, evaluate, and communicate avoluminous amount of data and information. For NRC to effectively transferthis volume of information and make the necessary analyses in a ccxrxiterizedworld, high quality and the contemporary cmcqxMter and =cm ication systemsare required. Thus the Task Group makes the following recmmeidations andthen follows with discussions of some of the issues and observationsencountered during the deliberations of the Task Group.

5. 1 Reconmendations

The Task Group rectmends that the Division of High-level Waste Management(1UIUM) arrange for a corpiter system design and implementation plan tofulfill the functional needs that have been developed in this report. It maybe possible for the Office of Information pasouroes Management (IRM) todevelop the cxmputer system design. Another possible source for the ccuputersystem design may be the Center.

The Task Group reccmmendis that the functional needs be immediately conveyed tothe IRM for its information aid consideration in developing its budgeted longrange computer needs for the agency. The report may also be used by IRM toprepare the computer resource allocations for the EEIINM.

The Task Group reccmmends that planning and budgeting be flexible enough topermit Fulircases of software and hardware not foreseen in the previous fiscalyear. This budget flexibility should be used to furnish needed items forexisting and new staff menbers. The budgeting should also be for software andhardware Purcmhases not included in the list of item supported by NRC, so thatindividual requirements of staff members can be met as the needs arise; excessfrom such a budgeted fund, if available during the last qarter, could be usedto upgrade existing PCs.

The Task Group recmends that planning and budgeting be such as to providethe ARC staff with cmpumter capabilities that remain current with advancingtechnology aid software upgrades; and that DUUWM plan for continuous ccapi terand software upgrades, to aoo mrdate continuing improvements in cot~utertechnology and developing software capabilities.

5.2 Discussion

A subgroup of the task gruph spent some effort debating the use of the terms"needs" aid "requirements." The issue of what was the more appropriate termto use for this report was resolved by using the following connotations. Arule or regulation "requires" something, and certain capabilities are "needed"to acccmplish that required somiething. Thus it was interpreted that certaincomputer hardware and software capabilities will be n to accomplish therequir license application evaluation and findings, as dictated by theNuclear Waste Policy Act. If, however, one thinks it better to replace needswith requirements then that is acceptable.

In developing the ccauter needs for the Division, it is generallyinapropriate to assign priorities until a system design has been prepared.However there is one need that siold be immediately naintained aid erhanced,

16

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namely the ccixpter data bases for the Division technical references, andcamputer acoess to the text material in these references. It was one of theassumptions that the Division would provide such capabilities until the ISSbecame operational in about 1994.

For those concerned that NRC does not have the resources to make acomprehensive technical evaluation of the information being collected by DOE,consider that it could be possible, with presently available cxmputer hardwareand software technology, to provide the NRC DHIWM technical staff with thecapability to make coprehensive evaluations. With such a capability, thestaff could effectively and efficiently focus its inquiries into the DOEprogram and investigations. For an indication of the capabilities of thepresent computer technology, those interested might refer to "OASIS: AGraphical Decision Support System for Ground-Water Cntamdinant Modeling," byNewell, et al. (1990) and ''Leaning to Drink from a Fire Hose," by Waldrop(1990).

In the past two years, the CNQA has submitted to the NRC an Autcmated DataProcessing Plan (CNWRA, 1990) each year that gives a two year plan for itssupport of the MHUJM, Office of Research, and Office of General Counsel NWPAprogram activities. The ONWRA has just cmpleted a survey (Young, 1990) ofthe NRC and CNWRA geoscience technical personnel, to ascertain their perceivedneeds for "technical cmpxuting requirements." The results of the survey weretabulated and desired capabilities aid work products ranked. When a caxipmtersystem design is made for the Division, these reports should be consulted bythe designers for a tabulation of the perceived needs, by selected staff, as acomplement to the functional needs for the entire Division, presented in thisevaluation.

The specific needs that have been listed in this report constitute a compositeof all the perceived and desired needs of the many staff madters whocontributed to this report. There has been no attempt to indicate the numberof each item that would be needed, as that determination would be part of thesystem design. These items, along with those reported in the CNWA report(Young, 1990), can be referenced by whoever develops a system design.

Tiose staff members involved with zimdeling" want management to undlerstandthat many of the cmpqmter programs (codes) were not developed by the NRCstaff, but by NRC contractors or other agencies. Hence, to use these programsas they were written, it is niecessary for the staff to have suitable caqputerfacilities to run them. For mainframe computer systems, there appear to beample resources available to the staff (INEL, NIH, CNWRA). It is more amonin this age of rapidly increasing omputer capability (power) to see many moreprograms (codes) developed for use on personal ccmputers. Most of the staff'spersonal cqmputers are presently inadequate for these codes. For example,although NRC sponsored the develpmnt of the VAM2D code (HydroGeolegic, Inc.)aid the DC2K-3D code (Sandia, A1266), there are presently no personalcaiters, available to the staff, capable of rnnning them. They can only berun by the staff ci mainframe czipmters, which requires modification of theprograms by the staff, and may be more costly.

As these reeds were developed, it became ever more apparent that developing or

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understarndig the technical analysis methods is primary and a precursor to

preparirg review plans ard making reviews. Such a perspective was expressed

by an Enineerirg Branch Task-Grdip participant thusly,

"As part of the LAPP, the staff will rely on the understanding obtainedin making analyses and conducting independent performancae a ements.The experience gained in those activities will be used in theestablishment of suitable plans for reviewing the MOE work."

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Bayley, Susan E., N. D. Siegel, N. Moore, S. Faith, 1990, "Sandia SorptionData Managefrnt System Version 2 (SSUM II), User's Manual,,"SAND89-0371;UC-721, Sandia National laboratories, January.

Browning, Robert E., 1990, MemrandUM For: R. L. Ballard, J. 0. Dinting andJ. L. Linehan, Subject: IDMG RANGE PLAenm FR MURM amRHER HARURE ANDSOFIRE NEEDS, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory cQmmissicn, mS, M1UM3 , May 24.

aMA, 1990, "Antcxated DataRegulatory Analyses," preparedN-02-88-005, March.

Processing Plan, Center for Nuclear Wastefor Nuclear Regulatory COmmission, Contract

Dannelly, Lloyd, 1990, "Report to the Advisory Comnittee for Nuclear Waste(ACNW) ," U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Qirnission, May 25, 1990

Gilray, J. W., 1990, Mrandum to J.J. Linehan, U.S. Nuclear RegulatoryCmnission, 6/15/90.

Hosinsski, Joan M., 1990, "MEC Beefs up Visualization to Catci the Eye ofGavt.," Goverment Cumqter News, p.8, August 20.

Johnson, Robert, 1990, Note To: R.Ballard, J. Bunting, D. Loosley,Delligatti, P. Altmnare, A. V iting,,HIWM Five-Year Plan Activities,"(3/27/90).

Browning, J. Youngblood, J. Linehan, R.J. Holonich, M. Lee, K. Stablein, M.

Subject: "Revised Strategic Analysis ofU.S. Nuclear Regulatory Qxminssion,

Meyer, R. E., W. D. Arnold, G. D. O'Kelley, F. I. Case, J. F. Land, 1989,"Progress in Evaluation of Radionuclide Geochemical Information Develcped byDOE High-Level Nuclear Waste Repository Site Projects; Report for October 1987- June 1989," Oak Ridge National Laboratory, NUREX/CR-4708, Vol. 3, August.

Newell, Charles, John F. Haasbeed, and Fhilip B. Bedient, 1990,Graphical Decision Support System for Grcund-Water ',-taIn.antGroumndwater, Vol. 28, No. 2, pp. 224-234, March-April.

"OASIS: AModel in, "

Ortiz, T. S., R. L. Williams, F. B. Nimick, B. C. Whittet, D. L. South, 1985,"A lhree-Dimensional Model of Reference ThermJal/Meihanical and HydrologicalStratigraphy at Yucca, Mountaln, Southern Nevada," SAND84-1076; UC-70, SandiaNational L abora October.

Pellerin, Cheryl, 1990, "Visualization, Workstaticns Provide Greater A ss toVisualization Tleihnology," Federal Ccmputer Week, pp. 23-25, August 20.

SEPM Staff, 1990, "Site and Engineering Prqperties Database (SEPDB),Quarterly Report," SE[B QR 2-90, Technical Project Division, Sandia NationalDaboratories, July.

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- 1, U -

Sdiwartz, Barry M., 1990, "SNL Yucca Mourtain Project Data Report: Density andPorosity Data for Tuffs Fron the Unsaturated Zone at Yucca EMtLrin, Nevada,"SANDB8-0811 * UC-814, Sardia National Laboratories, February.

Tien, Pei-Lin, M. D. Siegel, C. D. Updegraff, K. K. Wahi, R. V. Gazaoski,1985, "Repository Site Data Report for Unsaturated Tuff, Yucca Mbuntain,Nevada, n NUREX/CR-4110, SAND84-2688, Sandia National Laboratories, ScienceApplications International Corporation, Remote Sensing System, Inc., November.

U.S. Deparbment of Energy, 1990, "Performance Assessment Strategy Plan for theGeologic Repository Program," IXE/JW-0266P, January.

U.S. Gove=ment Printing Office, 1990, "High-Performanoe uipting Act of1990, Report of the Senate Committee on Ccmmerce, Science and Transportationon S. 1067," Report 101-387, July 23 (legislative day, July 10).

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory ommission, 1990, "U.S. Nuclear Regulatory OmmissionFY 91-95 Five-Year Plan; Chapter VI, High-Level Nuclear Waste RegulationMission Area, High-Level Nuclear Waste Regulation, High-Level Waste LicensingProgram," pp. 20-31, Draft 05/24/90.

Waldrop, M. Mitchell, 1990, "Learning to Drink from a Fire Hose," News &Omnent, Science, Vol 248, pp. 674-675, May 11.

Wanner, Hans, 1986, "The NEA Thermochemical Data Base, Proceedings of theWorkshop on Geoxhemical Modeling, Fallen leaf lake, Calif.," LawrenceLivermore National Laboratory, September 14-17.

Young, Stephen R., 1990, "An Evaluation of Technical Omputing Requiiremants inGeosciences and Systems Performance, for the U. S. NRC (RIWM & VM, RES) aidCenter for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses," Letter Report Number3702-002-462, Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses, Southwest ResearchInstitute, June 29.

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.& o. 4 to

TASK-SXP PARCIIPANS

Following is a list of participants in the Task Group to evaluate thefum-tional needs for the Division of High-Ievel Waste Managanent, MSS,cmpter hardware and software.

Philip Altamare, IiRffM-HUDMichael Blackford, IUI4EHLP,GGJohn Budcley, JMfHIENRidiard odell, TiAIJ i3P,SPWilliam Ford, 1UN/HI1P,HECharles Interrante, EHi/IU.ENMichhael Lee, f1UMWH1PDNewton Stablein, DMIZVLDEileen Tana, ID(MIHPD(ISS Coordinator)Rawley Johnson, CNWRAJon Russell, QMABill Usilton, I%, Liaison

Others who reviewed and oontributed to the preparation of the report.

John Bradbury , II~4WPDave Brooks, lUM VHWGPSeth OCclan, IIPtHIGPSally Cornell, NWS/HMNorman Eisexberg, D1ffiNHIIPAbou-Bakr lbrahim, I1UJUH PEllen Kraus, S/ThM (2ES Editor)Pamela tzic, IRADCISKeith 1Nonnell, 1114HISPNeil 7hcqmon, NRVESGB

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