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