The objective of the repository is to protect humans and the environment from radioactive waste in the long term. To meet this requirement, the project must, among other things, pass an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This is standard procedure for major projects and must be taken into consideration early on in the planning process.
The project of the century of deep geological disposal is subject to an additional, special assessment: it falls under the so-called Espoo Convention, which means that environmental compatibility must be assessed across national borders.
The first step has been taken
Nagra submitted the general licence applications in November 2024. The application documentation included an Environmental Impact Report outlining the current status of all environmental areas relevant to the project. To determine this current status, field investigations and other studies were carried out.
The Environmental Impact Report demonstrates that Nagra will be able to realise the project in a sustainable manner. The most significant environmental impact is expected during the construction phase. Relevant environmental areas include the crop rotation areas, the soil, the flora and fauna and their habitats as well as the landscape. In the Haberstal, where the surface facility is to be constructed, the planned project perimeter will affect agricultural and forested areas. The agricultural area, for example, would have to be replaced with an equivalent expanse of land. However, it is still too early to specify these measures in detail. This will be done later with the construction licence application. That is standard procedure. In contrast to the vast majority of construction projects, however, the deep geological repository must first obtain a general licence.
The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is responsible for the environmental regulations. Later, it will also oversee the construction and operational phases and decide which specific measures Nagra will have to implement.
Involving neighbouring countries
As mentioned above, the environmental impact of the project must be assessed across national borders. This means that affected neighbouring countries must be informed and consulted at an early stage. They are invited to participate in the review and ensure that environmental aspects are taken into account across national borders.
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