Aerial geophysical measurement of 6 sites completed in 2003
RAWRA carried out aerial geophysical measurement of 6 sites, which had been selected as potentially suitable for a deep geological repository and proposed for the implementation of the second stage of the siting process (Lubenec-Blatno, Božejovice-Vlksice, Pačejov Lodhéřov, Rohozná, and Budišov). The measurement of the total area of nearly 240 km2 was aimed at obtaining more precise information on the geological characteristics of the sites and was completed in November 2003.
The second stage of the siting process, entitled “Narrowing down the number of sites under consideration”, is planned for the period 2003-2005. Its aim is to narrow down the number of potential sites for the location of a geological repository. Studies encompass the updating of the archived literature search for geological information at selected sites, the establishment of geographic information systems for individual sites, the taking of aerial geophysical measurements, evaluation of satellite, radar, aircraft and field reconnaissance photographs and the identification of land owners. Geobariera is a subcontractor to this project.
At the end of 2005 a final report will be presented by RAWRA. The report will include an evaluation of existing geological information and remote sensing, the results of airborne geophysics, an evaluation of conflicts of interests and a pre-feasibility study. Based on the data obtained and expert recommendations, sites with an area of 10 km2 each will be selected for further characterization. Further geological research work at the sites will require the permission of the Ministry of the Environment. Since there is strong public opposition in all the sites chosen to date against the potential future construction of a deep geological repository as well as against the exploration of sites, RAWRA, in agreement with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, is currently considering the postponement of all its activities at these sites for at least five years. Further projects on engineered barriers and on safety assessment will be carried out.
