Underground storage in bedrock – the Swedish solution for mercury waste

1. Underground storage in bedrock – the Swedish solution for mercury waste Björn Södermark Swedish Environmental Protection Agency

2. The task from the Swedish Government- Safe terminal disposal of mercury waste The Goal: • The load on our environment must be reduced. Every addition is undesirable • No burden on future generations

3. The Swedish Environmental Code • Best technical solution • Environmentally motivated • Not economically unrealistic • The responsibility rests on the waste owners

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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:

7. The Waste owners: Cooperation among waste owners The Government: Regulations Pre-conditions of success- Create a ‟market” for storage- Gain local acceptance Create trustworthiness

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