After Switzerland’s decision to locate its nuclear waste repository near Hohentengen in Germany, Baden-Württemberg insisted on protecting the citizens living in the region. State Environment Minister Thekla Walker (Greens) announced on Sunday in Stuttgart: “The protection of our citizens from radioactive radiation must be guaranteed, but especially groundwater protection.”
The National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste (Nagra) announced on Saturday that Switzerland wants to build the camp near the border with Germany – south of Hohentengen in Baden-Württemberg.
Walker said the plans are being noted and will now be examined in depth. “Both as far as the repository and the necessary surface facilities are concerned, the state of Baden-Württemberg will continue to push for the safest locations and demand the best possible safety facilities and transport concepts.” She expects cross-border participation – especially on how to reduce the burden on Baden-Württemberg could become.
The Nördlich Lägern location is in the immediate vicinity of the border, particularly to the Waldshut district, but also to the Lörrach, Konstanz and Schwarzwald-Baar districts. Thus, the people of Baden-Württemberg make a major contribution to the disposal of Swiss nuclear waste. “From our point of view, this must be adequately reflected in the upcoming compensation negotiations,” said Walker.
The National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste in Switzerland wants to explain the plans in more detail this Monday.