Developments from 1991 to 2000

1991

Supplementary regional seismic measurements (1991 to 1992) in Northern Switzerland (Cantons Aargau, Zürich, Thurgau, Schaffhausen) for investigating sedimentary formations.

Nagra's offices move from Baden to Wettingen. The number of employees is now 80. A store for drillcores is set up in Würenlingen.

In 1991, Nagra's offices moved from Baden to Hardstrasse 73 in Wettingen.
(Image: Nagra)

1992

Updating of the nuclear waste management concept and implementation plan.

Boreholes at Wellenberg and Bois de la Glaive.

1993

The Federal Court declares the changes in the law in Canton Nidwalden (right of disposal over the deep underground environment) to be valid.

Evaluation of the regional investigations conducted in Northern Switzerland in connection with the feasibility demonstration for high-level waste. Narrowing down of potential areas in Northern Switzerland to the crystalline basement of northern Aargau and the Opalinus Clay of the Zürcher Weinland.

1994

Founding of the Cooperative for Nuclear Waste Management Wellenberg (GNW). The community of Wolfenschiessen (Wellenberg, Canton Nidwalden)) approves an agreement with GNW on compensation measures and participation of the local community in the GNW Cooperative. Submission of a general licence application for Wellenberg.

The Cooperative for Nuclear Waste Management Wellenberg (GNW) was
established on 17th June 1994. (Image: GNW)

Submission of exploration permit applications for supplementary investigations of the Opalinus Clay in the Zürcher Weinland (Benken) and the crystalline basement in Canton Aargau (Leuggern/Böttstein).

1995

Completion of the surface-based investigations at Wellenberg. The concession application (for use of the underground) for Wellenberg is refused in a cantonal vote.

1996

Expansion of the Grimsel Test Site with a new tunnel for the FEBEX (full-scale engineered barriers for HLW) project.

Start of field investigations for a rock laboratory in Opalinus Clay in Canton Jura (Mont Terri) with international participation.

The Federal Council grants a licence for the Benken borehole.

Seismic campaign in northern Aargau (Mettau valley).

1997

Suspension of the general licence procedure for Wellenberg by the Federal Council. Establishment of technical and economic working groups under the lead of a federal/cantonal steering committee.

Infilling of the deep boreholes at Schafisheim, Riniken and Siblingen.

Extensive three-dimensional seismic measurements in the Zürcher Weinland.

Start of investigation phase V at the Grimsel Test Site (1997-2002) with international participation. Excavation of a new tunnel with a silo.

Excavation of a new tunnel in the Mont Terri Rock Laboratory.

Reorganisation of Nagra with creation of four divisions (repository projects, radioactive materials, science and technology and international services and projects). Start of commercial consulting services for third parties.

1998

Final report of the Wellenberg technical and economic working groups established by the Department for the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC).

Suspension of the application for an exploration permit for Leuggern/Böttstein.

Start of the Benken borehole.

1999

Completion of the Benken borehole.

Expansion of commercial consulting services for third parties.

2000

Publication of the final report of the Expert Group on Disposal Concepts for Radioactive Waste (EKRA).

Approval of the ordinance creating the waste management fund. The fund covers the costs of disposing of operational waste and spent fuel after the end of operation of the nuclear power plants.

Infilling of the Böttstein, Leuggern, Kaisten and Weiach boreholes.