Legal aspects of storing radioactive waste in salt domes in the Netherlands

Since the publication of the Energy Bill in 1974, the Interdepartmental Commission for Nuclear Energy (ICK) has been concerned with the problem of storing radioactive waste, particularly fission products. They advocated the construction of a storage mine in a suitable salt dome at a depth of 600-800 m underground. One would assume that such a storage mine would fall under the legislation for mines. However, an interim report in October 1977 stated that the mine laws of 1810 and 1903 were not applicable to the construction of a storage facility in a rock-salt formation. It further states that the disposal or storage of radioactive waste in the ground is at all times subject to a licencing system based on the Nuclear Energy Law. These aspects are discussed. (C.F.)