Sites are suitable for the construction of the new Visaginas NPP from the engineering geological point of view

Category: Press Releases
Published: 2010-08-17

Half a year of surveys led to the conclusion that both potential construction sites are suitable for the construction of the new Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) from the engineering geological and hydrogeological point of view. That was one of the last assessments of the sites in accordance with the safety requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Technical specifications of site assessment should be prepared by October.

The surveys established physical and mechanical properties of engineering geological layers of the potential construction sites of the new NPP, hydrogeological conditions, load-supporting ability of ground, stratification depths, spatial configuration of the layers, and other parameters of the sites. Having regard to the engineering geological and hydrogeological conditions of the sites, preliminary evaluation of suitability of the foundations of standard reactors was also carried out.

 

“The findings of all conducted surveys of the potential construction sites of the new Visaginas NPP will be necessary for the strategic investor and the designer of the nuclear power plant, who will take into consideration the locality and the set technical requirements for designing the NPP according to the international safety standards. Therefore, we have to ensure that the preparatory works of the project, which we have been performing in compliance with the requirements of all international agreements, are in line with the schedule,” said Tadas Matulionis, Project Management Director of “Visagino atominė elektrinė”.

According to him, all works of potential construction sites will be accomplished by the end of this year, as previously planned.

More than 800 soil and 150 groundwater samples have been taken from the boreholes of different depth, and they will be tested in Lithuanian and German laboratories. In total, 120 boreholes of up to 30 metres and 8 hydrogeological prospect boreholes of up to 156 metres have been bored, and geotechnical probing has been performed in 145 points. Two deep geotechnical boreholes of 250 metres have been bored at both sites each.

Exhaustive site assessment, carried out according to the safety requirements of the IAEA since 2009, will be shortly accomplished, and the technical specifications of site assessment prepared by October will be reviewed by the independent mission of IAEA experts in November–December this year.

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