The final disposal of highly radioactive wastes - questions and answers

In 1979, a large majority of the Swiss people approved, by vote, the requirement for final disposal of radioactive waste. The positive response of the Federal Government to Project Geweaehr 1985 was delivered on 3rd June 1988 and represents an important step forward on the way to realising the disposal of radioactive waste. According to the decision of the government, it has been demonstrated successfully that safe disposal of short-lived low- and intermediate-level waste is feasible. In the case of long-lived intermediate-level and high-level waste, the Government also accepted the proof of safe disposal but the question as to showing that a suitable site exists for such a repository remains open. Nagra's research programme had already been adapted (in Spring 1988) to take account of this reservation on the basis of the recommendations of the federal safety authorities. The same citizens who voted in 1979 for disposal of waste proved to be extremely negative, or at least very concerned, when it came to investigations into the possibilities of repository construction in their own neighbourhood. In discussions with the people concerned, the same questions as to disposal of radioactive waste are raised time and time again. For this reason, this article will attempt to answer some of these questions in the light of the most up-to-date information available. (author) 4 figs