Consulting engineering firm, Pöyry, has been awarded a contact to carry out studies and groundwater flow measurements at the site for Finland’s deep geological repository. Agreements of un-disclosed value have been signed with Posiva Oy, the organization responsible for the final disposal of spent nuclear fuel in Finland.
Pöyry’s Water & Environment Business Group will conduct the work, which involves hydrological studies of the final disposal, research on spent nuclear fuel and chemical studies of groundwater. Pöyry will also conduct groundwater flow measurements at Olkiluoto, the site of the final repository, which is expected to begin operation in 2020.
“The studies and measurements will enable the effects of groundwater flows on the disposal site and on technical barriers over the years to be anticipated and thus effectively eliminating various risk factors,” Pöyry said.
Under the agreement, Pöyry’s work will contribute towards the construction licence application for the repository, which is due to be submitted to Finland’s Ministry of Employment and Economy in 2012.