scholarly journals A systematic approach for surface exploration of sites – analysis of international exploration programs

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 63-64
Author(s):  
Lisa Richter ◽  
Thies Beilecke ◽  
Raphael Dlugosch ◽  
Tilo Kneuker ◽  
Lukas Pollok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
Waste Disposal ◽  
Rock Salt ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Site Investigation ◽  
Crystalline Rock ◽  
Radioactive Waste Disposal ◽  
Surface Exploration ◽  
High Level

Abstract. The site selection procedure for a high-level radioactive waste repository in Germany is based on the Repository Site Selection Act (StandAG, 2017), which comprises three phases. In phase 2 the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE) will conduct surface exploration. Based on the exploratory findings, the further developed preliminary safety analyses, the common requirements and criteria, and potential socioeconomic analyses will be applied feeding into proposed sites for underground exploration. Commissioned by the BGE, the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) contributes to this procedure with the projects GeoMePS and ZuBeMErk, which collate and assess geoscientific and geophysical methods and programs for surface exploration. Their common goal is to develop recommendations for surface exploration of siting regions. For this purpose, the BGR has developed a systematic approach that includes (1) deducing exploration targets, (2) compilation of geoscientific and geophysical exploration methods in a database structure, and (3) analysis of case studies of national and international exploration programs for high-level radioactive waste disposal. Exploration targets are based on the common criteria and requirements as defined by the StandAG. The identified exploration targets (Kneuker et al., 2020) together with a large number of geoscientific and geophysical exploration methods were integrated and linked within the BGR database “GeM-DB”. All methods were evaluated according to their suitability and applicability for (a) the three defined host rocks (crystalline rock, claystone, rock salt) and (b) the previously defined exploration targets. In step (3) the BGR reviews national and international waste disposal programs exploring for crystalline rock, claystone, and rock salt. Here, the focus is on nondestructive and minimally invasive surface exploration techniques, such as geophysical airborne and ground-based methods or investigations in drill holes and on drill cores. The aims are to identify gaps in the method catalogue of the GeM-DB and to infer exploration directives for surface exploration during phase 2. An example is the analysis of the Swedish site selection process, especially the site investigation program. There, the site investigations are, e.g. the basis for the discipline-specific site descriptive models, which were applied for design and safety assessments (SKB, 2001). The Swedish site investigation program along with programs of other countries considering crystalline host rocks, such as Finland and Canada, show a common ground, which could be adapted for surface exploration of crystalline host rock regions in Germany. The assessment and evaluation of selected programs exploring for rock salt and claystone is currently in progress. The entire systematic approach of the projects GeoMePS and ZuBeMErk aims to develop recommendations for a nondestructive and minimally invasive surface exploration program of siting regions in Germany, regarding the lithological, structural, mechanical, and hydrogeological characterization of the different host rock formations.

scholarly journals A systematic approach for surface exploration of sites – a database to research and evaluate suitable methods

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 53-55
Author(s):  
Raphael Dlugosch ◽  
Thies Beilecke ◽  
Tilo Kneuker ◽  
Lukas Pollok ◽  
Lisa Richter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
Waste Disposal ◽  
Rock Salt ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Crystalline Rock ◽  
Radioactive Waste Disposal ◽  
High Level Radioactive Waste ◽  
Surface Exploration ◽  
High Level

Abstract. The site selection procedure for a high-level radioactive waste repository in Germany is based on the Repository Site Selection Act (StandAG, 2017), which comprises three phases. In phase 2, the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE) will conduct surface exploration. Based on the exploratory findings, the further developed preliminary safety analyses, the common requirements and criteria, and socioeconomic potential analyses will be applied feeding into proposed sites for underground exploration. Commissioned by the BGE, the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) contributes to this procedure with the projects “GeoMePS” and “ZuBeMErk”, which compile and assess geoscientific and geophysical methods and programs for surface exploration. Their common goal is to develop recommendations for surface exploration of siting regions. For this purpose, the BGR has developed a systematic approach that includes (1) deducing 186 exploration targets (Kneuker, 2020) based on the requirements defined by StandAG, (2) compilation of geoscientific and geophysical exploration methods in a database structure, and (3) analysis of case studies of national and international exploration programs for high-level radioactive waste disposal. During step (2) the BGR developed the database “GeM-DB” which utilizes MS SQL Server 2017 and PHP scripts for a browser-based interface (Beilecke, 2021). Both lead to a highly customizable, user-friendly database enabling further adaptations, expansions and analyses of the contents. Merging the knowledge of about 100 BGR experts, the database currently comprises approx. 140 geoscientific and geophysical exploration methods, including basic information and essential metadata to evaluate the general applicability of the methods for surface exploration of the three defined host rocks (crystalline rock, claystone, rock salt). Additionally, the methods are rated according to their suitability for the previously defined exploration targets. An example for a method selection, which is suitable to target fault zones (exclusion criterion 2, StandAG) is given in Fig. 1. In step (3) the BGR screens national and international waste disposal programs exploring for crystalline rock, claystone, and rock salt and feeds the obtained information back into “GeM-DB”. The entire systematic approach of the projects “GeoMePS” and “ZuBeMErk” aims to develop recommendations for a non-destructive and minimally invasive surface exploration program of siting regions in Germany, regarding the lithological, structural, mechanical, and hydrogeological characterization of the different host rock formations.

scholarly journals Development of a database for the analysis of the disposal system in the representative preliminary safety analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 39-40
Author(s):  
Eva-Maria Hoyer ◽  
Paulina Müller ◽  
Phillip Kreye ◽  
Christoph Behrens ◽  
Marc Wengler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
Crystalline Rock ◽  
Radioactive Waste Disposal ◽  
Future Evolution ◽  
Technical Parameters ◽  
Geological Setting ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
High Level

Abstract. The Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE) is the German waste management organisation responsible for implementing the search for a site with the best possible safety for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste for at least 1 million years, following the amendments of the Repository Site Selection Act in 2017. The selection procedure is meant to be a participatory, transparent, learning and self-questioning process based on scientific expertise. It consists of three phases with an increasing level of detail. The first step of the first phase of the site selection procedure was completed in September 2020 and resulted in the identification of 90 subareas that give reason to expect favourable geological conditions for the safe disposal. The potentially suitable subareas cover approximately 54 % of Germany and are located in three different host rocks: rock salt (halite), claystone and crystalline rock. The second step of phase one is currently in progress and includes the so-called representative preliminary safety analyses that aim to assess the extent to which the safe containment of the radioactive waste can be expected. Representative preliminary safety analyses are one of the foundations for deciding whether an area will be considered for surface-based exploration in the next phase of the site selection procedure. Within the preliminary safety analyses, the behaviour of the disposal system is analysed in its entirety, across all operational phases of the repository and under consideration of possible future evolution of the disposal system with respect to the safe containment of the radioactive waste. The development of a database is described, which aims to systematically document and provide the framework needed for the analyses of the disposal systems in the subareas regarding the safe containment of the radionuclides over the assessment period of 1 million years. This database includes the vast amount of information about the different components of the disposal system. This includes also the geological setting, the technical conception of the repository and compilations of values for the physical, geoscientific, and technical parameters characterising the various barriers of the disposal system. Furthermore, a self-contained derivation of expected and deviating future evolution of the disposal system and its geological setting is included; following the so-called features, events and processes (FEP) strategy.

scholarly journals Section 14 StandAG – Identification of siting regions and associated challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 49-50
Author(s):  
Lisa Seidel ◽  
Marc Wengler
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
Radioactive Waste Disposal ◽  
Second Step ◽  
High Level Radioactive Waste ◽  
Surface Exploration ◽  
Safety Assessments ◽  
High Level

Abstract. With the publication of the subarea interim report on sub-regions on 28 September 2020, the Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE), as the implementer of the German site selection procedure, has completed the first step of phase I in due time. The second step of phase I is the identification of siting regions for surface exploration. In the following step 2 of phase I, the determination of siting regions for surface exploration will be carried out based on the interim results of the first step of phase I in accordance with section 14 of the regulating law (StandAG). A central component of this second step of phase I is the representative preliminary safety assessments pursuant to section 27 StandAG, the ordinances on “Safety Requirements” (EndlSiAnfV) and “Preliminary Safety Assessments” (EndlSiUntV), which are carried out for each of the sub-regions. Based on the results of the preliminary safety assessments and the renewed application of the geoscientific weighting criteria (section 24 StandAG), siting regions will be identified that have the potential to become the site with the best possible safety for a repository for high-level radioactive waste. During the second step of phase I, the planning scientific consideration criteria (section 25 StandAG) can be applied for the first time. The path to the siting regions for surface exploration can be accompanied by various challenges related to geoscientific, methodological and also societal questions. For example, the application of the representative preliminary safety assessments may be more challenging in larger subareas compared to smaller ones as subsurface properties are likely to be more variable. In this context, areas with little data coverage for example, and the treatment of these areas in the procedure may pose another challenge. Therefore, sound methodological concepts must be developed for performing the representative preliminary safety assessments as well as for applying the geoscientific weighting criteria. Furthermore, the German site selection procedure defines special requirements (section 1 StandAG): the implementation of the participatory, science-based, transparent, self-questioning and learning procedure poses challenges to all stakeholders of the procedure on the way to the best possible disposal of high-level radioactive waste.

scholarly journals Preliminary safety analyses in the high-level radioactive waste site selection procedure in Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 56 ◽  
pp. 67-75
Author(s):  
Eva-Maria Hoyer ◽  
Elco Luijendijk ◽  
Paulina Müller ◽  
Phillip Kreye ◽  
Florian Panitz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
Crystalline Rock ◽  
Radioactive Waste Disposal ◽  
High Level Radioactive Waste ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
High Level ◽  
A Site

Abstract. The Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal (BGE) is responsible for the search for a site with the best possible safety for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste in Germany. The site selection procedure is regulated in a law that was adopted by the German Federal Parliament (Repository Site Selection Act – StandAG, 2017, last updated 2020) and aims to be a participatory, transparent, learning, and self-questioning process based on scientific expertise. The first step of the first phase of the site selection procedure was completed in September 2020 and resulted in the identification of sub-areas that give reason to expect favorable geological conditions for the long-term storage of nuclear waste in the subsurface. These sub-areas cover approximately 54 % of Germany and are located in three different host rocks: rock salt – halite, claystone, and crystalline rock. The challenge for the next step is to find suitable siting regions within the previously determined sub-areas that are then considered further in the next phase of the site selection procedure. In the following, the methodology of the so-called representative preliminary safety analyses is described, which constitute one of the tools to identify siting regions, and some first insight on how they are planned to be implemented in practice is given.

scholarly journals Towards best possible safety – current regulatory research for the German site selection process for high-level radioactive waste disposal

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 157-163
Author(s):  
Axel Liebscher ◽  
Christoph Borkel ◽  
Michael Jendras ◽  
Ute Maurer-Rurack ◽  
Carsten Rücker
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
Nuclear Waste ◽  
Waste Disposal ◽  
Rock Salt ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Fault Zones ◽  
Radioactive Waste Disposal ◽  
Methodological Approaches

Abstract. The Federal Office for the Safety of Nuclear Waste Management (BASE – Bundesamt für die Sicherheit der nuklearen Entsorgung) is the German federal regulatory authority for radioactive waste disposal. It supervises the German site selection process and is responsible for the accompanying public participation. Task related research is an integral part of BASE's activities. The projects MessEr and übErStand compiled the state-of-the-art science and technology regarding surface based exploration methods suitable for addressing the criteria and requirements specified in the German Site Selection Act. The results support BASE to review and define the surface-based exploration programs to be executed by the national implementer BGE (Bundesgesellschaft für Endlagerung mbH). To support BASE in reviewing the application of the exclusion criteria “active fault zones” according to the Site Selection Act, the project KaStör reviewed the current knowledge on active faults and fault zones in Germany and recommends methodological approaches to date and identify the activity of faulting. For the time being, the Site Selection Act defines 100 ∘C as a draft limit on the temperature at the outer surface of a repository container for all host rocks. The project Grenztemperatur studied the temperature dependency of the different thermal-hydraulic-mechanical-chemical/biological (THMC/B) processes according to available features-events-processes (FEP) catalogues for rock salt, clay stone, and crystalline rock and describes ways to defining host rock specific maximum temperatures based on specific disposal and safety concepts. Safety oriented weighting of different criteria and comparison of different potential regions and sites are key challenges during the siting process. The project MABeSt studied and reviewed methodological approaches to this weighting and comparison problem with special emphasis on multi criteria analysis (MCA) and multi criteria decision analysis (MCDA). A key requirement for safe geological disposal of nuclear waste is barrier integrity. The project PeTroS performed the first triaxial flow-through experiments on natural rock salt samples at disposal relevant p−T conditions and studied potential percolation mechanisms of fluids within rock salt. The data substantiate that the minimum stress criterion and/or the dilatancy criterion are the prime “percolation thresholds” in rock salt. The research results support BASE in fulfilling its tasks as national regulator according to state-of-the-art science and technology and are also relevant to other stakeholders of the siting process.

Preliminary safety assessments in the high-level radioactive waste site selection procedure in Germany

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eva-Maria Hoyer ◽  
Christoph Behrens ◽  
Merle Bjorge ◽  
Julia Dannemann ◽  
Dennis Gawletta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Waste ◽  
Site Selection ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
Crystalline Rock ◽  
Radioactive Waste Disposal ◽  
Seismic Exploration ◽  
High Level Radioactive Waste ◽  
Geological Conditions ◽  
Safety Assessments ◽  
High Level

<p>The Federal Company for Radioactive Waste Disposal mbH (BGE mbH) is as Germans waste management organization responsible to implement the search for a site with the best possible safety for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste for at least one million years, following the amendments of the Repository Site Selection Act in 2017. The selection procedure is meant to be a participatory, transparent, learning and self-questioning process based on scientific expertise.</p><p>This contribution will provide an overview of the methodology of the forthcoming preliminary safety assessments as a major part of the next steps in the site selection procedure. This procedure overall consists of three phases with increasing level of detail for identification of the best site. The first phase consists of two steps. The objective of the first step was to determine sub-areas in the three considered host rocks, salt (halite), clay and crystalline rock, by applying legally defined exclusion criteria, minimum requirements and geoscientific weighing criteria. 90 sub-areas that cover approximately 54 % of the area of Germany were identified due to their general suitable geological conditions. The result was published in September 2020.</p><p>The second step of phase one is currently in progress and consists of representative preliminary safety assessments that aim to assess the safety of the repository system as well as its robustness. The requirements for the preliminary safety assessments in the site selection procedure are defined by a governmental directive released in October 2020. Representative preliminary safety assessments have to be performed for each sub-area and consist of the compilation of all geoscientific information relevant to the safety of a repository, the development of preliminary safety and repository concepts and the analysis of the repository system. In addition, a systematically identification and characterization of uncertainties has to be undertaken and the need for exploration, research and development must be determined. The application of the representative preliminary safety assessments as well as the following renewed application of geoscientific weighing criteria will lead to the identification of siting regions within the larger sub-areas of step one. These regions will be considered, first for surface-based geoscientific and geophysical exploration, including i.e. seismic exploration and drilling of boreholes. Subsequently the last phase of the site selection will proceed with subsurface exploration. Finally, all suitable sites will be proposed and the German government will decide the actual site. This process is expected to be finalized in 2031.</p>

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