Monitoring radiation intensity

Based on the Precautionary Radiation Protection Act the Federal Office for Radiation Protection operates a national network for the large-scale determination of natural radiation exposure by continuously measuring the gamma dose rate (GDR). The BfS has installed measuring probes also on the premises of the Konrad repository, already before it has been taken into operation.

1,800 probes measure the local dose rate throughout Germany

A GDR measuring point is serviced

The GDR measurement network consists of about 1,800 stationary, measuring points that are distributed all over Germany, covering the area in a basic grid of about 20 kilometres by 20 kilometres. The network is more dense in a radius of 25 kilometres or, respectively, 100 kilometres around nuclear facilities. The measurement network is a key tool of emergency management: For example, it can quickly record the radioactive exposure to the environment in the event of an accident.

Why have GDR probes been installed at Konrad prior to waste being stored?

The BfS has already now set up measuring probes on the facility premises for test purposes. The currently gained values are to be taken as a basis for comparisons later on. In time at the beginning of emplacement operations, two additional probes will be installed directly by the Konrad 2 storage shaft. All current values can be found on our interactive map.