What are the unique features of horizontal borehole technology?

There are many unique features to the horizontal borehole approach which offer siting, safety, and operational benefits. Among them is the inherent passive safety in the depth of the repository and design elements. Some unique safety features include: 1) a small vertical access pathway which is offset from the horizontal repository, 2) an upward inclined disposal section which directs thermal or upward hydraulic flow away from the access hole toward the dead-end section of the repository and geosphere, 3) and the horizontal placement of waste canisters which distributes thermal load and supports the weight of the disposal canisters.