Border region on alert: dispute over Swiss nuclear waste storage camp

Border region on alert: dispute over Swiss nuclear waste storage camp

At least in the neighborhood, the German side is urging saying: In the immediate vicinity of the German border, a new nuclear waste end warehouse in Switzerland is to be created. The location "north of the lusters", only about three kilometers from the municipality of Hohentengen (Waldshut district), focuses on increasing. This was recently known at an information event in Waldshut, where up to 300 citizens and representatives of the national cooperative reacted for the storage of radioactive waste (Nagra). The planned storage of radioactive garbage underground could have an impact on the entire region, and the German Ministry of the Environment therefore emphasizes the need for intensive cooperation, as southwest press reported.

Security in the first place

The state environment minister Thekla Walker emphasized that security is a top priority and that costs are not allowed to play a role here. The responsible authorities in Switzerland submitted the approval documents for the depth camp last month, which is considered geologically safe. Christian Kühn, President of the Berlin Federal Office for the Security of Nuclear Disposal, announced that security for people and the environment is outstandingly important. Germany actively participates in the discussion about the location, since the choice of "north of lusters" was decided according to geological criteria for those responsible in Switzerland. But not all the details are clear, especially the amount of nuclear waste remains uncertain, while the forecasts indicate up to 83,000 cubic meters, enough to fill 33 Olympic swimming pools, as in a report from SWR was explained.

The expected political decision in Switzerland will probably be a long time to wait until 2030, while the storage itself should only begin from 2050. The entire registration process comprises around 30,000 pages and will take a few years. The German side remains optimistic that an internal say is ensured and the dialogue between the authorities is guaranteed on both sides of the border. The focus will be on regional development because the population and their concerns will play a central role in future negotiations.