A major step in the U. S. Department of Energy's process of selecting a site for the nation's first high level nuclear waste repository is detailed site characterization. The purpose of site characterization in Deaf Smith County is to determine if a site is suitable for a repository. Assuming that excavated salt does not contaminate water or soil it is important consideration in DOE's program. Salt management procedures during the construction of an exploratory shaft for site characterization will be similar to those commonly used in the mining industry. Similar procedures will also be used for repository construction and operation. The amount of salt excavated for site characterization will be far less than the amount excavated for the repository. A combination of water spraying, retention ponds, impermeable liners, runoff control structures, and monitoring and proven techniques for effectively reducing the possibility of soil or water contamination from the excavated or blowing salt.