BfS briefs Asse Accompanying Group about the status of works in the trial phase (fact finding)
It will not be possible to carry out the drilling into emplacement chamber 7 in this year. The Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) briefed the accompanying group on this topic and explained the reasons. The implementation of the requirements contained in the licence according to Article 9 Atomic Energy Act (AtG) granted by the federal state of Lower Saxony for carrying out step 1 of the trial phase (fact finding) demands more time.
Extensive supply with nitrogen required
An important matter is that it is currently not possible to ensure the extensive supply with nitrogen required in the licence. The nitrogen should be supplied by lorry in case of a fire in the emplacement chamber. So far no company has been able to fulfil the given requirements.
Therefore, a time-consuming road needs to be followed, that is, an own air separation plant needs to be installed and operated in the mine. This requires applying for new licences. The other technical requirements for drilling into the chamber are met.
BfS briefs about development of the first step of the trial phase
As to the further development of step 1 of the trial phase (fact finding) the BfS pointed out time-critical problems in the implementation of the requirements to the accompanying group. This includes in particular the removal of the contaminated brine in front of emplacement chamber 12, which is a necessary prerequisite for setting up the required drilling area.
Currently it is still unclear whether the brine can be taken to the federal state collecting depot of Lower Saxony, as has been laid down in the Radiation Protection Ordinance.
Objective: Safe closure of the plant according to nuclear law standards
In 2009 the BfS was transferred the responsibility for the Asse mine by the federal government with the requirement imposed to achieve the safe closure of the facility according to nuclear law standards. According to the current state of knowledge this can only be ensured by retrieving the waste. The poor condition of the mine, however, allows only a limited period of time to achieve this objective.
The BfS will work to ensure that all institutions and companies involved will carry out a critical examination of the time and content requirements.