Interim storage of saline solution above ground terminated
All 18 containers were removed.
The last Baker-Container is removed
The interim storage of the saline solution in containers on the premises of Asse-GmbH has been terminated. All 18 containers have left the mine premises. Since October 2008, approximately 800 cubic metres of saline solution were stored in the so-called Baker containers. These solutions that had still been collected by the former operator could no longer be delivered to other mines. All containers were cleaned and cleared. Thus, it has been proven that they are free from radioactive substances. The saline solutions have been used without detriment for mixing Sorel concrete in the Asse mine.
The saline solutions collected in the containers contained tritium with an activity concentration of max. 300 to 400 becquerel/litre. Thus, the activity concentrations were far below the permissible limit values (above 100,000 becquerel/litre) for use in other mines. However, the saline solutions are not in compliance with the requirements of the voluntary negotiated environmental agreement of the Federal Office for Radiation Protection, according to which the radiation exposure of the influent saline solutions must be reduced to the absolute minimum before they are removed.