Nagra starts a deep borehole in Trüllikon


Nagra started drilling a deep borehole in Trüllikon today. This is the second of a series of deep boreholes aimed at completing the overall picture of the underground.

The National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste Nagra started drilling the second deep borehole in Trüllikon today. This is the second of an entire series of boreholes. Their purpose is to complete the overall picture of the underground geological environment of the potential siting regions Jura Ost, Nördlich Lägern and Zürich Nordost. They provide the scientific basis for identifying the safest site for a deep geological repository. The lead in the site selection process lies with the Federal Government. The investigations conducted by Nagra in the deep boreholes will include studies of the thickness, permeability and composition of the Opalinus Clay host rock in which the repository will eventually be constructed.

The drilling work will last six to nine months and, for technical reasons, is conducted around the clock. Nagra has set up a hotline for questions and concerns of local residents and other interested parties. The hotline is free of charge and is manned 24/7 (0800 437 333). Every drill site has a visitors’ pavilion and there will be special open days for the public.

In total, Nagra submitted 23 applications for deep boreholes. How many boreholes will actually be drilled to complete the overall picture of the underground geological environment depends on the results, but it is not planned to drill all 23 boreholes. The third deep borehole will be drilled in Marthalen in the Zürich Nordost siting region, and the fourth in Bözberg in the Jura Ost siting region.

More information: Patrick Studer, Head, Media Office: 076 579 36 50. patrick.studer@nagra.ch

According to Swiss nuclear energy legislation, the producers of radioactive waste are responsible for its safe management and disposal. In 1972, the Federal Government and the nuclear power plant operators set up the National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste (Nagra) to perform this task. Nagra, which has its headquarters in Wettingen (AG), is the national technical competence centre in the field of deep geological disposal of radioactive waste.

Out of a strong sense of responsibility for the long-term protection of man and the environment, 120 employees are involved daily in performing this important work. The high level of competence is secured by targeted research programmes in two Swiss underground rock laboratories and intensive international collaboration.