Underground storage in bedrock – the Swedish solution for mercury waste

NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Underground storage in bedrock – the Swedish solution for mercury waste

Björn SödermarkSwedish Environmental Protection

Agency

NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Terminal storage in bedrock is the best solution

• Rely on the capabilities of nature to withstand its own forces and those of man

• Supplement with technical measures

NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Fundamental properties of the surrounding bedrock

Prevention and remediation:• A stable physical and chemical

environment and low groundwater flows• Long transport paths; high capacity for

sorption, matrix diffusion and dilution

No supervision and maintenance needed

NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Recommendations• Waste containing more than 1 per cent

mercury should be terminally stored in bedrock

• The mercury in the waste should be extracted and converted to an insoluble form

• The storage facility should be located at least 400 m below ground in granite bedrock, preferably adjacent to an existing mine

• The waste owners have the responsibility for building and running a storage facility