Environmental monitoring

The environment in the vicinity of the Asse II shaft is continuously monitored, both by the operator and by an independent measuring body. They examine samples taken from air, water, soil and grass around the shaft facilities. The measuring results are published in quarterly and annual reports (in German language only). The measurements are performed on the basis of the Guideline on Emission and Immission Monitoring of Nuclear Facilities (REI).

Current values measured within the context of environmental monitoring

On the following pages you will find a quick overview of the current values measured within the context of environmental monitoring (in German language only):

• Gamma local dose rate
• Gamma ambient dose
• Aerosol activity
• Soil samples
• Grass samples
• Water samples

Important information relating to the measurements and measured values

The measurements performed by the operator are compared to measurements performed by an independent measuring body. Different institutions were charged with these independent measurements over the last years:

• Since 2013: LUFA-ITL GmbH,
• 2010 - 2012: Saxony-Anhalt State Office for Environmental Protection (LAU),
• 2008 - 2009: Lower Saxon Department for Water, Coastal and Nature Conservation (NLWKN).

Minor deviations between the values measured in the relevant samples are due to the fact that different measuring bodies were charged with the task. These differences are caused by the measurement techniques and measurement equipment used in each case in order to determine the activities. Depending on the measurement device a so-called limit of detection (LOD) may be reached that shows the sensitivity of the chosen analysis procedure. Minor deviations can also be caused by the samples themselves, e.g. if the size of samples varies.

Regular reports

The most important data gained from environmental monitoring by the operator and from independent measurements are published in annual reports. Quarterly reports complete the documentation (both annual and quarterly reports in German only).

Further values measured

Under the item "Further values measured" you will find the following data (in German language only):

• reports on the additional environmental monitoring performed,
• values measured in the influent waters removed from the shaft
• results of the drinking water analyses that were performed by the municipality of Kissenbrück but have now been abandoned.