All investigations for the disposal of radioactive

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wastes originating from the different nuclear activities in Germany, mainly nuclear research and power production, were intended from the beginning to find a place where the wastes are excluded from the biocycle for the time necessary for their decay. Therefore, research and development work was concentrated on salt formations.

In 1965, Gesellschaft fur Strahlen- und Umweltforschung bought, on behalf of the Federal Government of Germany, the Asse salt mine which had been shut down for economic reasons less than a year before. This salt mine had been in operation since 1908. Because the salt deposit is in the form of an anticline (more similar to a salt dome than to bedded salt deposits), a total of about 130 rooms was created on 13 different levels by a special type of room-and-pillar mining system.

Test disposal of low-level radioactive wastes was started in April 1967. Solid or solidified wastes, packed in 200-l drums, are stacked in the rooms. Those rooms filled with low-level wastes are sealed off. At present a total of about 22,000 drums has been disposed of.

In August 1972, disposal of intermediate-level radioactive wastes was started. Because of higher radioactivity and, therefore, higher dose rates, the 200-1 drums with these wastes can be transported and handled only in shielded casks. With the present technology, about 80 drums have been disposed of.

Solidified high-level radioactive wastes will not be produced before 1975 in the Federal Republic. Therefore, no technical installations exist for their disposal in the Asse salt mine, but a broad research and development program has started. First test disposal is scheduled for 1976-1977.

The environment of the mine is thoroughly monitored. A hydrologic survey program is performed, as well as control of the radioactivity of water, air, and ground. Disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes is free of charge. Total capital investments amount to about 18 million Deutsche Mark to date. Operating costs are about 2 million Deutsche Mark a year, including staff and scientific personnel.

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