Announcement - Asse II minesite

On the occasion of the 52nd meeting of the Asse 2 Advisory Group, which was held on 3 November, the BGE presented an update on the fact-finding work performed with respect to emplacement chamber 7 (ELK 7) on the 750 metres level. The fact-finding work started in June 2012. Its aim is to obtain important data on the atmosphere within the chamber and the condition of the emplacement chamber so that the retrieval of the waste can be planned. In ELK 7 on the 750 metres level, the radioactive waste contained in “lost concrete shielding” (package with a sheathing layer of cement mortar) was at first vertically stacked. Later on, more waste containers with and without sheathing layer were dumped into the chamber. The chamber was mostly backfilled with salt afterwards. In 1982, a seal was installed in the upper part of the emplacement chamber, which was supposed to shut the chamber permanently. During the fact-finding work, holes were drilled into this seal. The seal has a length of 20 metres and consists of different materials.

Results

Seven drillings have been performed as yet. An eighth drilling is currently being realised. The major results of the drillings can be summarised as follows:

• The configuration of the sealing construction was found to be as shown in the present documents. It was observed, however, that the bitumen has changed more drastically than expected.

• The ceiling of the emplacement chamber is severely damaged. Cracks and damaged zones were found.

• Furthermore, the intermediate ceiling is affected by the rock pressure so that there are bulges in the floor of the chamber above. Cracks and damaged zones were found there as well.

• The damage to the boundary zones is not consistent. While important cracks were found in the Northern part of the chamber, the Eastern part is hardly damaged at all.

• Radon, hydrogen and significantly reduced levels of oxygen were measured within the cracks. This means that there is a connection to the chamber atmosphere.

• On 23 August, a camera was introduced into the chamber and delivered the first pictures from inside after 25 years. Above dumped packages with “lost concrete shielding”, the scientists observed a cavity. At the moment it cannot be determined if the chamber was actually backfilled with salt. The waste packages are stored haphazardly and some of them appear to be damaged. A damaged waste drum could also be seen.

• The chamber atmosphere presents a radon activity of roughly 45,000 Becquerel per cubic metre (radon-222). The presence of krypton-85 was also determined, the activity amounted to almost 70,000 Becquerel per cubic metre. These values were expected in the Asse emplacement chambers. They will not impede the retrieval of the waste.

The hydrogen content of 5,000 ppm (parts per million) is far below the lower explosive limit of 40,000 ppm. There is roughly 10 percent oxygen and 90 percent nitrogen in the chamber atmosphere. The present results of the fact-finding work will not impede a retrieval of the waste. Any new findings will be considered in the current retrieval planning.

• Presentation: Update on the fact-finding work (S. Binge)

A damaged and corroded waste drum in emplacement chamber 7.

Waste package with “lost concrete shielding” in emplacement chamber 7.

A severely damaged waste container.