underground storage in bedrock – the swedish solution for mercury waste

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NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Underground storage in bedrock the Swedish solution for mercury waste Björn Södermark Swedish Environmental Protection Agency

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Underground storage in bedrock – the Swedish solution for mercury waste. Björn Södermark 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 - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Page 1: 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

Page 2: Underground storage in bedrock  –  the Swedish solution for mercury waste

NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

Page 3: Underground storage in bedrock  –  the Swedish solution for mercury waste

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

Page 4: Underground storage in bedrock  –  the Swedish solution for mercury waste

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

Page 5: Underground storage in bedrock  –  the Swedish solution for mercury waste

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