North of Lägeren
The region North of Lägeren (Cantons Zürich, Aargau) has already been known for several years as a potential siting region for a deep geological repository. The area to the north-west Bülach is suitable for both a high-level waste repository and a low- and intermediate-level waste repository.
The geological siting area covers an area of around 65 square kilometres. The host rock formations occurring within the area are the claystone sequence Brauner Dogger and 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.
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The underground installations for a deep geological repository for low- and intermediate-level waste in the host rocks Opalinus Clay and Brauner Dogger could be constructed in the area shown in green.
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 structures (e.g. portal of the access tunnel) can 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 provisional planning perimeters) that include these additional areas. The planning perimeter extends up to 5 km around the geological siting region and should be connected; it should also have good road or rail access. Mountainous and hilly areas and protected natural areas are restricting factors. The Federal Office of Energy announced the provisional planning perimeters on 10th December 2009.
Additional communities within the provisional 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
 "provisional planning perimeter North of Lägeren")
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- 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:
Information by telephone
Walter GasslerTel. +41 (0)56 437 12 68
2010 (1st September) | Start of the public consultation phase on Stage 1
of the site selection process for deep geological repositories. |
2010 (26th February) | The Swiss Federal Nuclear Safety Inspectorate (ENSI) approves Nagra's proposed siting regions following a review of safety and engineering feasibility aspects. |
2009 (10th December) | Announcement of the provisional planning perimeter by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). |
2008 (20th November) | Glattfelden. Together with the ENSI and Nagra, the SFOE provides information on the proposals for geological siting regions. |
2008 (6th November) | Announcement by the SFOE of the proposed siting regions for deep geological repositories. |
2008 (2nd April) | The Federal Council approves the conceptual part of the sectoral plan for deep geological repositories. |
| 1993 | Completion of the site investigations for low- and intermediate-level waste, comparative assessment of the results for the four sites, proposal of the Wellenberg site. |
| 1991 – 1992 | Regional seismic investigations between the river Aare and Lake Constance (2D seismics). |
| 1988 | Recognition by the Federal Council of the feasibility and safety of disposing of low- and intermediate-level waste in Switzerland. |
| 1985 | Submission of Project Gewähr to the federal authorities (demonstration of the feasibility and safety of disposing of all types of radioactive waste in Switzerland). |
| 1982 – 1984 | Regional seismic investigations in the area Olten – Schaffhausen. |
| 1982 – 1983 | Weiach (ZH) borehole. |
