Press release
Paris, 27 April 2004

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Expert review gives high marks to a Swiss safety study on a radioactive waste disposal concept

The NEA has just released a report entitled Safety of Disposal of Spent Fuel, High-level Waste and Long-lived Intermediate Level Waste in Switzerland. This document brings together the results of an international, independent peer review that examined the post-closure radiological safety assessment for disposal in the Opalinus Clay of the Zürcher Weinland. The original safety report was prepared by the Swiss National Co-operative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste (Nagra) [NTB 02-05].

The main appraisal of the experts was that the Nagra safety report:

  • shows strength and quality, and is based on sound methodology;
  • is a remarkably mature document considering the current stage of development of the Swiss programme. In particular, Nagra presented a sound and practical disposal project based on a specific realisation of the multi-barrier concept. A substantial body of research results and site-specific information has been established, and clear evidence exists that carefully thought-out procedures have been applied for the management of uncertainties. Additional research to further characterise and reduce uncertainties is also well thought-out and ongoing;
  • will provide important support to current discussions in Switzerland on future directions of the high-activity and long-lived waste programme.

The review was carried out at the request of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE).

Safety of Disposal of Spent Fuel, HLW and Long-lived ILW in Switzerland [DE]
An International Peer Review of the Post-closure Radiological Safety Assessment for Disposal in the Opalinus Clay of the Zürcher Weinland
ISBN 92-64-02063-2, 124 pages.

Please quote the title and reference in any review.


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