Information on repositories

Richard repository corridor

Richard repository entrance

Hydraulic cage concept for waste chambers and its technical implementation for the underground Richard repository. Document is available by clicking on the picture.

Bratrstvi repository - Jachymov

Dukovany repository

Richard repository - Litomerice

The Richard repository is situated in the vicinity of the town of Litomerice, in the complex of the former limestone mine Richard II.

Since 1964 so-called institutional radioactive waste has been disposed there. During the conversion of the mine for disposal purposes it was necessary to reinforce some parts with concrete and to construct a drainage system for the outlet of any water, which might eventually reach the mine. A system of surface and underground monitoring forms an important part of the repository. The total volume of the repository exceeds 16 000 m³, the capacity for disposal is approximately half the volume. Waste which is disposed here is filled into 100 litre drums, which are inserted into 200 litre drums, and the space between the drums is filled with concrete. In this way a 5cm thick concrete barrier is formed. The wall of the outer drum is coated on both sides by zinc and futher on, the outside is covered by thin layer of bitumen paint. The drums are laid into prepared chambers, which were formed during the mining phase. When the chamber is full, it is fenced by an iron grid, which allows sufficient air ventilation. In the repository there is a practically constant temperature of 10°C and a humidity of 95% rel. On the basis of research, civil expertise and according to the current state of the drums, it can be concluded that no radiation emergency could occur at this site. Operation of the repository, its monitoring, the technology of radioactive waste disposal and other activities are provided by RAWRA on the basis of relevant licences from the State Office for Nuclear Safety under the supervision of state authorities.

Richard repository publication (1,87MB)

Hydraulic cage concept for waste chambers and its technical implementation for the underground Richard repository (192 kB)

Bratrstvi repository - Jachymov

Workplace with a very significant source of ionising radiation Bratrstvi - Jachymov.
The workplace is designed entirely for the disposal of waste containing natural radionuclides. It was constructed by the adaptation of a mining shaft, during which 5 disposal chambers were created. The facility was put into operation in 1974. In the vicinity of the disposal chambers a drainage system with retention tanks was constructed. The discharged water is monitored. On the basis research and civil expertise it can be concluded that no radiation emergency could occur at this site. Operation of the repository, its monitoring, the technology of radioactive waste disposal and other activities are provided by RAWRA on the basis of relevant licences from the State Office for Nuclear Safety under the supervision of state authorities. 

Bratrství repository publication (2,88 MB)

Dukovany repository

Nuclear facility and workplace with a very significant source of ionising radiation - radioactive waste repository Dukovany. The Dukovany repository was designed for the management of low and medium level radioactive waste which is generated by nuclear power plants. It is the biggest and most modern of all the repositories in the Czech Republic and it meets construction and safety standards valid in advanced European countries. The repository is situated within the area of the Dukovany nuclear power plant in the community of Rouchovany in the Trebic district. It has been in permanent operation since 1995. So far, drums containing radioactive waste generated by the operation of the Dukovany nuclear power plant have been disposed here, but it is destined also for disposal of low level radioactive waste generated at the Temelín nuclear power plant. The total volume of the disposal rooms 55 000 m³ (more than 180 000 drums) is sufficient for disposal of all low and medium level waste from both power plants, even in the case of a prolongation of their planned lifetimes by 10 years.

Dukovany repository publication (1,73 MB)