The suspension of deposition that entered into effect on 21 June 2007 is thereby rescinded. The background to the suspension was that the Authority had requested more information on how the levels of certain substances in the repository have been calculated and reported, and what consequences this could have for the long-term safety of the repository.
Since then SKB has been working to answer the questions posed by SSI in connection with the suspension decision. An initial report was submitted in October 2007, after which SSI requested further answers to questions. These answers were received in January 2008.
“The reason for SSI’s decision is clearly described. It feels good that the Authority is satisfied with the answers and explanations we have given,” says Börje Torstenfelt, unit manager at SKB.
“The decision confirms that it is not our day-to-day operation that has been called into question. Rather, it is long-term safety that has required further analysis, based on a future full repository. At the same time as deposition is resumed, work will therefore continue on the work of updating the complete safety assessment, which will be submitted to the Authority on 30 April of this year,” concludes Börje Torstenfelt.
The decision to rescind the suspension of deposition applies to all parts of the repository. However, deposition is still suspended for waste types that contain high concentrations of carbon-14. Due to the remaining uncertainty concerning carbon-14, the Authority has not been able to approve the application for new radiation protection conditions submitted by SKB. This means that the types of waste that may not be deposited in SFR will be stored for the time being at the nuclear power plants pending the complete safety assessment.
More information: Börje Torstenfelt, unit manager, +46 8 459 84 86, +46 70 588 65 53, Jimmy Larsson-Hagberg, press secretary, +46 8 459 84 83, +46 70 269 91 15