Expert report on the application concerning exploration boreholes in Dachsen, Switzerland

This report published by the Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) deals with application made by the Swiss National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste (Nagra) for the sinking of exploratory boreholes at the site in Dachsen, northern Switzerland. The boreholes are part of exploratory work in search of suitable locations for the disposal of nuclear wastes. The legal framework applicable to the granting of permission for the work is examined. The report describes the scope and the content of the appraisal and its realization. Current knowledge of the rock formations and the tectonics of the location are discussed, as are hydro-geological and hydro-chemical aspects. The program proposed for the exploratory work and the goals aimed for are discussed, as is the investigative work involved. Activities during the constructional and operational phases are described, as are those for the subsequent long-term surveillance and sealing phases. The selection process for the site is described and the installations involved are described. Possible effects on geology at the locality and the environment are looked at. A comprehensive list of references is provided. Stipulations made by ENSI concerning the work are also listed