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CHEMOTOX

Chemically toxic substances in a repository for high-level radioactive waste

In a repository for high-level radioactive and heat-generating radioactive waste, chemically toxic substances are introduced along with the deposited radioactive waste. These substances are components of the waste itself, its packaging, the materials used for backfilling the disposal areas and shafts, closure structures, and the remaining infrastructure facilities in the repository. As part of the licensing process for such a repository, it must be demonstrated that these substances will not cause harmful contamination of groundwater or any other adverse changes to its properties.

In the joint project "Chemically Toxic Substances in a Repository for High-Level Radioactive Waste," conducted by Öko-Institut e. V., DBE TECHNOLOGY GmbH, and GRS mbH, a systematic proof concept was developed for protecting groundwater from chemically toxic substances in such a repository, focusing on host rocks such as rock salt and claystone. The concept demonstrates, in a graded manner, how this proof can be provided for future possible developments of such a repository. Where quantitative proofs are involved, the available tools are presented, their performance is evaluated, and selected examples are demonstrated. Remaining open issues were identified as well.