Strong Ground-Motion Assessment at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, McCracken County

Calculating an appropriate seismic design value is a critical part of evaluating any new waste cells that may be constructed at the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant landfill. A seismic reevaluation will address detailed technical issues pertaining to the characterization of potential ground motion at the site and the appropriateness of the seismic design value proposed by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). To ensure an independent and qualified review of the reevaluation, the Kentucky Division of Waste Management designated the Geologic Hazards Section of the Kentucky Geological Survey as the Commonwealth's seismic experts, giving the section the primary mission of

• Evaluating the appropriateness of the methods and assumptions used by DOE to arrive at the seismic design value for the ground surface
• Ensuring that the methods and assumptions used are thoroughly justified by DOE and are in accordance with current practice
• Giving opinions and providing guidance to the Division of Waste Management so that DOE can resolve potential conflicts in such a manner that the final design will protect the citizens of Kentucky.