NTBs 1989 – 1990

1981

The first geophysical investigations are carried out in Northern Switzerland.

1982

Licensing of eleven deep boreholes. Drilling of the first borehole in Böttstein (Canton Aargau) starts on 11th October 1982.

The 44 metre high derrick at the Böttstein drillsite. (Image: Nagra)

Second phase of geophysical investigations in Northern Switzerland.

Selection of twenty potential siting areas for low- and intermediate-level waste (L/ILW).

Number of Nagra employees: 17.

From 1982

Intensive drilling activities at the sites Böttstein (Canton Aargau) 1982/83, Weiach (Canton Zürich) 1982/83, Riniken (Canton Aargau) 1983/84, Schafisheim (Canton Aargau) 1983/84, Kaisten (Canton Aargau) 1983/84, Leuggern (Canton Aargau) 1983/84, Siblingen (Canton Schaffhausen) 1988/89.

1983

Seismic campaign in Northern Switzerland.

Interim report on the nuclear waste management concept in Switzerland.

Submission of applications for exploration permits for the sites Oberbauenstock, Bois de la Glaive and Piz Pian Grand as part of the disposal programme for low- and intermediate-level waste.

Start of construction of the Grimsel Test Site (crystalline rock).

Discovery of the Permo-Carboniferous Trough in the Weiach and Riniken boreholes.

1984

Start of operation of the Grimsel Test Site with international participation. The investigation programmes provide input for both the L/ILW and HLW programmes.

1985

Submission of Project Gewähr study to the federal authorities. The aim of the project is to demonstrate the safety and feasibility of disposal of all categories of radioactive waste in Switzerland.

The safety authorities and technical experts begin their evaluation of Project Gewähr. 

Nagra President Dr. Rudolf Rometsch (left) and CEO Hans Issler (right) beside a
model of a steel disposal container during a press conference held to present

Project Gewähr to the media. (Image: Nagra)

From 1985

Start of site investigations for low- and intermediate-level waste:
Oberbauenstock (Canton Uri),

marl, 1985-87; Piz Pian Grand (Canton Graubünden),

crystalline, 1985-87; Bois de la Glaive (Canton Vaud),

anhydrite, 1985-1993; Wellenberg (Canton Nidwalden),

marl, 1987-1993.

1987

Submission of an application for an exploration permit for the Wellenberg site.

On 17th June 1987, Nagra submitted an application for a permit to explore the

Wellenberg site in the community of Wolfenschiessen in Canton Nidwalden.
(Image: Comet)

1988

Recognition by the Federal Government of the feasibility and safety of disposing of both low- and intermediate-level waste and high-level waste. The siting demonstration for high-level waste remained open.

Expansion of geological investigations in the high-level waste programme to cover sedimentary formations as well as the crystalline basement. Evaluation of the sediment study by the safety authorities and technical experts.

Start of activities at the Siblingen borehole after an 8-year licensing procedure.

1989

Completion of the Siblingen borehole.

1990