Planning of retrieval

Regarding retrieval, different works are currently running in parallel. For example, geologists examine whether a new shaft can be built on a designated location. Shaft 5 is vital for the recovery of the radioactive wastes, the same goes for an interim storage facility and the recovery technique for which market research is already underway.

In a depth of 750 m the BfS is furthermore drill-testing the state of the emplacement chambers to gain key data for the planning of retrieval.

BfS places order for retrieval planning

Gallery in front of emplacement chamber 12 in a depth of 750 metres

At the end of May 2015 the BfS concluded the tender procedure for retrieval planning. A consortium consisting of several companies was awarded one of the central and most comprehensive planning works. It combines the individual elements in an overall concept and schedule and organisational chart for retrieval, such as recovery and packaging of the wastes or infrastructure underground.

The consortium consists of the companies E.ON Anlagenservice GmbH (in charge), TÜV Rheinland Industrie Service GmbH, Deilmann-Haniel GmbH and ERCOSPLAN Ingenieurgesellschaft Geotechnik und Bergbau mbH. The order is to be carried out as quickly as possible. For this purpose the consortium develops a processing concept in the first step.

Content of the order

The order calls for the development of a concept planning for the complete retrieval of the wastes that are located in depths of 725 m and in 750 m in the Asse mine. Among others, this includes the planning of

• the access routes to the emplacement chambers,
• the retrieval of the wastes from the emplacement chambers,
• the necessary devices, machines, equipment and infrastructure rooms underground,
• the packaging of the wastes,
• the transport of the wastes underground, and
• all necessary security measures.

The order for retrieval planning also includes scheduling and cost calculation.

Preparations required for retrieval Concept of possible access variants to the emplacement chambers

On behalf of the BfS, the DMT GmbH & Co KG examined necessary and possible access points to the single emplacement chambers on the 725-m and 750-m levels and submitted a final report. These first preliminary works are a foundation on which the planner can build retrieval.

The experts have chosen the access options such that during retrieval operations the best possible safety for staff and population can be guaranteed during the entire process.

First conclusions for retrieval

• The routes that are currently available in the area where the emplacement chambers are located are not suitable for retrieving the wastes.
• The access variants recommended provide for newly constructing the routes to the emplacement chambers in the stable salt rock. The wastes can be accessed from the north or the south via higher levels.
• The construction of new access routes requires the prior best possible stabilisation of the areas around the emplacement chambers.
• The planned emergency precautionary measures do not restrict the possible access variants.
• The remediation of the mine openings and the construction of the new shaft 5 and of new infrastructure rooms are a key requisite for retrieval.