North of Lägern

The geological siting area covers an area of around 65 square kilometres. The preferred host rock is the Opalinus Clay (with its confining units).

Understanding of the spatial conditions in the area is based on 2D seismic investigations and results from a deep borehole (Weiach). The siting area is located in a region that has partly been tectonically overprinted by the folding of the Jura mountains (precursory folding zone). For this reason, the host rock has areas with largely quiet bedding as well as zones with increased tectonic dissection.

Overall, the siting area is evaluated as being suitable. 

The underground installations of a deep geological repository for high-level waste in Opalinus Clay could be constructed in the area shown in orange.

Siting communities:
Canton Zürich: Bachs, Bülach, Eglisau, Glattfelden, Hochfelden, Neerach, Niederweningen, Oberweningen, Schleinikon, Schöfflisdorf, Stadel, Weiach
Canton Aargau: Fisibach, Schneisingen, Siglistorf

Planning perimeter for surface facilities

The required surface infrastructure (e.g. the portal of the access tunnel) could also be located outside this siting region. Working together with the affected Cantons and representatives from Germany, the Federal Government has defined planning zones (so-called planning perimeters) that include these additional areas. The planning perimeter extends up to 5 km around the geological siting region and should have good road or rail access. Mountainous and hilly zones and protected natural areas are restricting factors. The Federal Office of Energy announced the planning perimeters in provisional form on 10th December 2009; these were approved by the Federal Council on 30th November 2011.

Additional communities within the planning perimeter (besides the siting communities):
Canton Zürich: Bachenbülach,Dielsdorf, Embrach, Höri, Hüntwangen, Niederglatt, Niederhasli, Oberglatt, Rafz, Rorbas, Steinmaur, Wasterkingen, Wil, Winkel

Canton Schaffhausen: Buchberg, Rüdlingen

Canton Aargau: Ehrendingen, Endingen, Freienwil, Kaiserstuhl, Lengnau, Mellikon, Rekingen, Rümikon, Unterendingen, Wislikofen

Further reading:

What is the surface facility?
Participatory approach to identifying the siting areas
Requirements on the siting areas

NL-1

The area is located in the community of Mellikon and partly in Rekingen. The eastern section is used for agriculture, while the western section is in an industrial zone and is already developed with good access. Two factory buildings would have to be demolished to allow construction of the facility. The facility would not be clearly visible from residential areas.

NL-2

The area lies in the community of Weiach close to an existing gravel-pit. A small part is used today for agriculture. Construction measures would be required to provide access to the area. It is visible particularly from the north, but this could be minimised by lowering the facility to the level of the bottom of the gravel-pit.

NL-3

The area lies in the community of Glattfelden close to existing gravel quarrying zones; these are partly re-cultivated and used for agriculture. Rail access to the area would be costly. Given the topographic situation, the facility would not be visible from larger population centres.

NL-4

The area lies in the community of Glattfelden and partly in Bülach close to an existing gravel-pit. Access would be relatively straightforward using the existing transport axes. The area would not be visible from larger residential zones.

• The Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) is responsible for the sectoral plan process. Further information and contact persons for questions on the sectoral plan can be found under: www.bfe.admin.ch/radioaktiveabfaelle

• The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) (until 31 December 2008: HSK) is the regulatory authority for all questions relating to safety. Further information can be found under: www.ensi.ch

• For questions to Nagra on your region:



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• Simon Rinderknecht      Tel. +41 (0)56 437 12 99