COST ASSESSMENT FOR ABYSSAL SEA-FLOOR WASTE ISOLATION

We develop an integrated model for estimating the internal cost of aby ssal seafloor waste isolation. The model captures the major economic, engineering, geographic and social factors that influence the manageme nt cost for sewage sludge and municipal incinerator ash. Considering f ive representative metropolitan areas and five proposed abyssal study sites, we apply this model to produce cost estimates for four deep-oce an waste delivery system concepts. The results show that the unit cost depends primarily on regional waste volume, the marine delivery syste m and transportation distance. Based on available data, the abyssal oc ean option may be competitive with present land-based disposal costs i n New York City. The option is less competitive in other metropolitan areas. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.