Plans for the implementation of "Lex Asse" confirmed
BfS presents results of the study concerning the search for a site for the Asse interim storage facility and the further stabilisation of the mine
Conditions have been fulfilled to carry on the works for both the search for a site for an Asse interim storage facility and further stabilisation and security measures inside the mine. Regarding both topics, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) has presented studies examining and technically supporting the previously planned approach. The interim storage facility and the security of the 750-m level are important elements for the safety and the pursued recovery of the waste.
Radiation protection: Interim storage facility – if possible, near the Asse mine
According to the radiation protection requirements and the obligations of the operator for the safety of the operational staff, it is imperative to store the recovered radioactive waste intermediately near the Asse mine, if a suitable site is available there. This follows from calculations on possible radiation exposures presented by the BfS.
The supplementing study that has been presented now has been developed on request of the Asse Monitoring Group and the Wolfenbüttel county council. It considers the aspects "incidents" and "effects of exhaust air". On the basis of the results relating to the safety of an interim storage facility, the search for a site can now begin. The search procedure is based on the criteria agreed with the Asse Monitoring Group.
Safety first: Measures in a depth of 750 m to minimise the risk of an emergency
A central prerequisite for safety and a further step towards retrieval are the contingency planning measures. They serve especially to minimise the risk for the mine to drown. To achieve this, the BfS has been stabilising the mine by backfilling cavities near the waste emplacement chambers in a depth of 750 m with a special type of concrete. At the same time, this procedure limits the dissipation of radioactive substances in an emergency, thus improving safety.
Damage precaution and the security of the mine are also demanded by the competent technical supervision. Besides, experts of various institutions agreed upon the necessity of emergency planning on the occasion of a professional workshop organised by the BfS in 2012.
Continuing to keep the mine areas in the vicinity of the emplacement chambers open – as demanded by the Asse Monitoring Group – is not in compliance with safety goals. This is the result of an analysis in which experts highlighted and balanced all benefits and disadvantages of the planned security measures.