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


The task from the Swedish Government- Safe terminal disposal of mercury waste

• The load on our environment must be reduced. Every addition is undesirable

• No burden on future generations

The Goal:


The Swedish Environmental Code

• Best technical solution• Environmentally motivated• Not economically unrealistic

•The responsibility rests on the waste owners


Conclusions• 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


Fundamental properties of the surrounding bedrock

Prevention and remediation:• A stable physical and chemical

environment and low groundwater flows

• Long transport paths and high capacity for sorption, matrix diffusion, dilution

No supervision and maintenance needed


Proposal from the official report- Waste containing more than 1 per cent mercury should be terminally stored in bedrock within 5 years

• 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 adjacent to an existing mine

Other recommendations:


Pre-conditions of success- Create a ‟market” for storage- Gain local acceptance

The Waste owners:• Cooperation among waste

owners

The Government:• Regulations

Create trustworthiness


Long-term strategy for a ‟mercury-free” environment• Limit the global use of mercury• International understanding and

collaboration

underground storage in bedrock – the swedish solution for mercury waste

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