New video on Asse emergency planning
Uncontrollable inflow of water is the major threat to the Asse mine
Animation of emergency planning (in German only)
The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) has posted a new video about the Asse emergency planning on the internet (www.endlager-asse.de). This video explains what needs to be done in case of emergency and how it is planned to prevent the Asse mine from drowning. The so-called uncontrollable inflow of water is the major threat to the Asse mine.
With the help of the most modern technology the BfS explains the complicated processes associated with the mine’s decommissioning in a way that everyone can understand. People watching the animation can turn the three-dimensional model of the mine with their computer mouse. That way they can view the underground mine from all sides. To get a more detailed idea of the emergency measures there are different points where one can open short explanatory filmlets by mouseclick.
In the new video, the BfS shows what can happen if no precautionary measures are taken against the so-called drowning of the Asse mine. In that case, radionuclides from the repository could get above ground and could, for example, contaminate the near-surface groundwater. By having taken over the operator responsibility for the Asse mine at the beginning of 2009, the BfS has prepared itself for the emergency of an uncontrollable inflow of water. Such a study had not existed so far.
Since then the BfS has been trying by safeguards measures to prevent the Asse mine from drowning. For this purpose pathways have been sealed, residual cavities have been filled up and chambers where no radioactive waste has been stored have been stabilised with concrete. With the help of the emergency planning the probability of more groundwater entering the Asse mine than can be pumped out is to be reduced. Should it nevertheless be impossible to prevent an emergency it should at least be possible to keep the consequences for man and environment as low as possible.
Apart from the video other filmlets about Asse mine are available. Among others, these videos explain the repository mine, the emplacement techniques, the rock-mechanics or the inflow of saline solutions. The BfS always gets the positive feedback by the citizens that they understand the ongoing works in the Asse mine better with the help of the videos.