Poland launches search for new repository site

The new facility, it said, will be intended solely for the storage of low and intermediate-level waste and radioactive sources from nuclear power, industry, medicine and research and development in Poland. It will not accept high-level waste or used nuclear fuel, which require the construction of an underground facility with completely different characteristics and in a different location.

The ministry said that during the construction of the new repository, it will use the experience gained during the operation of the existing National Radioactive Waste Repository (NRWR) in Różan and "follow the example of proven facilities of this type operated in Spain (El Cabril) or France (Aube)".

State-owned public utility Zakład Unieszkodliwiania Odpadów Radiotworniczych (ZUOP), which is responsible for the proper handling of radioactive waste from the moment it is taken over from the producer, will be the investor and operator of the repository.

A cross-section of the storage module (Image: ZUOP)

Preference will be given to municipalities with an area of ​​approximately 100 hectares for the construction of a landfill and auxiliary facilities. However, the area must meet certain conditions. These include: being located at least 50 km from the country's land border with neighbouring countries; in an area where there are lands of low production quality; not being located within areas such as national parks or nature reserves; not within populated areas; and not in areas prone to earthquakes, subsidence or flooding.

The ministry noted that the municipality where the new repository will be located will be entitled to an annual fee from the state budget (from the date of acceptance of the first waste to the repository until the decision to close the repository). This will be in the amount of 400% of the income from the real estate tax located in the area, obtained in the previous year, but not more than PLN10.5 million (USD2.6 million).

Municipalities have until 15 November to apply to participate in the selection process. However, the ministry noted: "The deadline for submitting municipalities may be extended".

"The selection of the best location for the construction of the repository will take place after obtaining the approval of the local community for this investment and conducting geological and geophysical research, which will allow the assessment of the suitability of these areas for the implementation of the investment in accordance with the criteria set out in the Atomic Law," it added.