Asse interim storage facility: BfS supplements existing study
For the search for a site for an interim storage facility, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) will supplement the available studies on possible radiological effects. In some details, the Monitoring Group had requested more explanations. In addition to the already available parameter study, the BfS will therefore investigate what effects are to be expected in case of an incident in the operation of the interim storage facility. The goal is to continue the work for an interim storage facility site promptly and, if possible, in agreement.
Objective and content of the previous investigations ("Parameter study")
In the parameter study, the BfS had had calculated exemplarily and irrespective of the site, what radiation exposure would have to be expected from an interim storage facility, depending on the distance to the next settlement.
Consideration of incidents were not included in this study. They can only be realised on the basis of concrete site data. For example, data on climate and the exact geographical location would be required. However, the parameter study was not supposed to include a concrete, locally specific consideration.
Right from the start, the BfS had pointed out the difficulties of such an investigation in the debate with the Monitoring Group. The BfS will supplement the parameter study, since the consideration of incidents is requested.
Consideration of incidents with anonymised data
For this purpose, data of an actually existing location in Germany will be anonymised. The selected location only serves to enable the desired, exemplary comparison between sites near the Asse mine and far from it. It is not up for discussion as a site for an Asse interim storage facility.
It should be noted that facilities such as an interim storage facility will only be licensed once the provisions under nuclear law have been complied with comprehensively and documented. The applications for an interim storage facility then also include concrete considerations of incidents.