Posiva Annual Report

Main events Licensing process proceeds according to plan Posiva aims to submit the construction license application in 2012. In 2011, research and analysis work continued to ensure the timely availability of results and related reports. The feedback provided by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority and other authorities for the preliminary licensing documentation submitted in 2009 was systematically reviewed in 2011, and steps were taken to ensure it is taken into account during the license submission phase. At the end of 2011, the preparation of all application material had been organised and advanced draft versions existed for most of the material. Currently unfinished system planning tasks have been allocated to responsible parties and scheduled to take place in 2012. The degree of completion of the licensing documentation is sufficient for submitting the license application on schedule in 2012. Canister deposition hole boring tests commence at disposal depth The first of its kind, a full-scale disposal technology test was launched in ONKALO. The boring machine commissioned by Posiva for the purpose of boring the canister deposition holes was completed and delivered to Posiva. The machine commenced the boring of the first test hole in the demonstration tunnel at the final disposal depth (-420 m) towards the end of 2011. Posiva and SKB sign a contract to continue their cooperation In September, Posiva and SKB, a Swedish nuclear waste management company, signed a three-year cooperation contract on the research and development of the final disposal of spent nuclear fuel between 2012 and 2014. The companies have worked on joint projects since 2001, promoting the efficient utilisation of their resources in encapsulating and final disposal technologies and proceeding towards the construction of their respective repositories. ONKALO’s ventilation building completed The construction project that commenced in 2010 was completed and the facility was handed over to Posiva at the end of 2011. Some 20 metres high, the building will serve as the central facility that will provide ventilation for ONKALO. The capacity of the ventilation systems housed in the building will be sufficient to meet the needs of the final disposal facilities that will be constructed later. Posiva’s integrated management system receive the OHSAS 18001 certificate Posiva’s integrated management system is in place to ensure high-quality operations at each phase of operations. By certifying the system, Posiva demonstrates its commitment to the safety of its personnel and continuous safety development. OHSAS 18001 is an international standard that specifies requirements for occupational health and safety management systems.