1. NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Underground storage in bedrock – the Swedish solution for mercury waste Björn Södermark Swedish Environmental Protection Agency

2. NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH 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:

3. NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY The Swedish Environmental Code Best technical solution Environmentally motivated Not economically unrealistic The responsibility rests on the waste owners

4. NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 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. NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 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. NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 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. NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Pre-conditions of success - Create a ‟ market” for storage - Gain local acceptance The Waste owners: Cooperation among waste owners The Government: Regulations Create trustworthiness

8. NATURVÅRDSVERKET/SWEDISH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY Long-term strategy for a ‟ mercury-free” environment Limit the global use of mercury International understanding and collaboration