Richard repository - Litoměřice

The Richard repository is situated in the vicinity of the town of Litoměřice, in the complex of the former limestone mine Richard II.Since 1964 so-called institutional radioactive waste has been disposed there. During the conversion of the mine for disposal purposes it was necessary to reinforce some parts with concrete and to construct a drainage system for the outlet of any water, which might eventually reach the mine. A system of surface and underground monitoring forms an important part of the repository. The total volume of the repository exceeds 16 000 m3, the capacity for disposal is approximately half the volume. Waste which is disposed here is filled into 100 litre drums, which are inserted into 200 litre drums, and the space between the drums is filled with concrete. In this way a 5cm thick concrete barrier is formed. The wall of the outer drum is coated on both sides by zinc and futher on, the outside is covered by thin layer of bitumen paint. The drums are laid into prepared chambers, which were formed during the mining phase. When the chamber is full, it is fenced by an iron grid, which allows sufficient air ventilation. In the repository there is a practically constant temperature of 10°C and a humidity of 95% rel. On the basis of research, civil expertise and according to the current state of the drums, it can be concluded that no radiation emergency could occur at this site. Operation of the repository, its monitoring, the technology of radioactive waste disposal and other activities are provided by RAWRA on the basis of relevant licences from the State Office for Nuclear Safety under the supervision of state authorities.