In order to consider the suitability of four potential sites to host a Commonwealth Radioactive Waste Management Facility, detailed studies of the sites' physical, biological and socioeconomic environments are being undertaken. The former Department of Education, Science and Training engaged Parsons Brinckerhoff
in March 2006 to undertake these studies.
During the site characterisation studies, the following aspects of the sites will be investigated:
- geology, hydrogeology, surface hydrology and geomorphology
- meteorology
- seismic risk
- mineral potential
- current and potential future land uses
- potential population growth in the area
- incidence of threatened or endangered flora and fauna.