{"id":2388,"date":"2019-02-06T13:21:27","date_gmt":"2019-02-06T12:21:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/surao.gov.cz\/public\/operational-repositories\/uloziste-bratrstvi\/"},"modified":"2024-11-26T15:07:23","modified_gmt":"2024-11-26T14:07:23","slug":"bratrstvi-repository","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/surao.gov.cz\/en\/public\/operational-repositories\/bratrstvi-repository\/","title":{"rendered":"Bratrstv\u00ed repository"},"content":{"rendered":"

Formerly a uranium mine, today a repository for radioactive waste<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Bratrstv\u00ed nuclear waste repository, located near the town of J\u00e1chymov, was constructed in part of the abandoned underground complex of the Bratrstv\u00ed former uranium mine<\/strong>. The repository spaces are situated in the vicinity of the former main mining tunnel<\/strong>, which, together with 5 adjacent chambers, was adapted in 1974<\/strong> to host the radioactive waste repository.<\/p>\n

Only low- and intermediate-level waste containing exclusively natural radionuclides <\/strong>is disposed of at the Bratrstv\u00ed repository. The disposal of waste required the technical modification of both the main mining tunnel and the walls and ceilings of the chambers. Parts of the repository have been reinforced with concrete in addition to steel reinforcement beams in parts of the ceilings. The concreted floors have been fitted with a drainage system and a central retention sump.<\/p>\n

The Bratrstv\u00ed repository has a capacity of 5,555 drums of low- and intermediate-level waste containing natural radionuclides.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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The 385 m long main mining tunnel serves as the transport corridor for the waste packages. The adjacent chambers are filled<\/strong> in such a way that access to the other repository spaces and the technological equipment is not restricted. The waste packages are disposed of in layers. The total repository capacity<\/strong> is approximately 1,200 m3<\/sup>, allowing for the emplacement of 5,555 waste drums<\/strong>. Once filled with waste drums, the chamber entrances will be sealed, and the chambers will be stabilised with a backfill material.<\/p>\n

The repository ventilation system is artificial<\/strong> and is powered by a fan positioned at the mouth of the access tunnel. The ventilation system is in operation only when repository personnel are present in the facility. Otherwise, air flows naturally, depending on the time of year, either out of the mine workings (breathable air in the summer) or into the mine complex (breathable air in the winter).<\/p>\n

How do we know that the radioactive waste disposed of in the repository does not affect the surroundings?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

As part of the radiation monitoring programme, we strictly adhere to the relevant decrees issued by the State Office for Nuclear Safety<\/strong>. In addition, we also monitor the stability of the rock mass and its surroundings and the quality and composition of the groundwater both inside and outside the repository. The results of the detailed measurements recorded to date and the geotechnical documentation compiled on the state of the walls of the repository confirm the stability of the mine workings. The Regional Mining Office in Sokolov<\/strong> also supervises the operation of the Bratrstv\u00ed repository.<\/p>\n

We carefully observe and monitor everything that happens inside the repository and ensure that it does not negatively impact its surroundings in any way.<\/p>\n

 <\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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In order to cover all the potential risks associated with the disposal of radioactive waste, we regularly take samples of the water<\/strong> that flows from the mine premises and the surrounding surface water for the determination of the volume activity of the disposed of natural radionuclides<\/strong>. Due to the naturally elevated content of natural radionuclides in the local environment due to previous mining activities, the measured values \u200b\u200bare higher than the usual natural background values recorded in other parts of the Czech Republic. Notwithstanding, the set limits have never been exceeded at the repository<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The monitoring results recorded to date clearly indicate that the operation of the Bratrstv\u00ed radioactive waste repository is in full compliance with all the safety limits set by the State Office for Nuclear Safety, and that the repository does not exert a negative impact on the surrounding environment or persons who enter the repository.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

From silver to uranium to radioactive waste<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The intensive development of mining activities in the J\u00e1chymov area dates back to the 16th century, at the beginning of which the town was established. The Bratrstv\u00ed mine<\/strong>, formerly known as the Mine of the Saxon Nobility, was just one of a number of silver mines<\/strong> that were established in the vicinity of J\u00e1chymov. It is interesting that part of the mine complex is named the \u201cblind\u201d Zda\u0159 B\u016fh mining pit<\/strong>. Why blind? Because it did not reach the surface – the mining tower with the machine room was situated underground and only a horizontal tunnel led to the surface, which was used to transport the mined ore.<\/p>\n

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From the end of World War II, uranium was mined in the Bratrstv\u00ed and other local mines under dreadful conditions. Two labour camps<\/strong> codenamed M and D were established in the area for convicted war criminals and collaborators, as well as political and other prisoners. Prisoners from both camps worked together with civilian employees at the Bratrstv\u00ed mine until 1954, when both camps were permanently closed. During this time, thousands of tons of uranium were exported from the area to the Soviet Union.<\/p>\n

Part of the main mining tunnel was modified in 1974 for use as a radioactive waste repository, the operation of which continues to this day.<\/p>\n

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We must never forget our history<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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Merciful Lord, we meet at this place to remember the suffering of so many innocent people, who were imprisoned and forced to work under inhumane conditions in the uranium mines in the area. People who strived for freedom, truth and justice, for which they were arrested and unjustly imprisoned. Please be merciful to all these victims who suffered injustice during the cruel communist regime. It is partly thanks to the suffering they endured that we live our lives today in freedom and comfort.<\/em><\/p>\n

We pray for those who imprisoned them, forced them to work under such conditions and treated them in such a cruel manner. If they are still alive, let them realise the horror of their acts and encourage them to repent. We pray that similar violence never be repeated in our country or anywhere else in the world.<\/em><\/p>\n

Please Dear Lord, grant that all who come here and read this memorial plaque understand the cruelty of unjust violence, remember all the victims and their suffering, and influenced by this awareness, strive for justice, mutual understanding, forgiveness and the peaceful resolution of misunderstandings and conflict.<\/em><\/p>\n

We pray for this through Your Son Jesus Christ in unity with the Holy Spirit, Amen.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Source of the historical photographs: J\u00e1chymov Photo gallery, Bratrstv\u00ed mine (Miroslav Palfi, 2018). Accessible at https:\/\/www.rajce.idnes.cz\/mipalfi\/album\/jachymov-dul-bratrstvi (23-10-2024).<\/h6>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Formerly a uranium mine, today a repository for radioactive waste The Bratrstv\u00ed nuclear waste repository, located near the town of J\u00e1chymov, was constructed in part of the abandoned underground complex of the Bratrstv\u00ed former uranium mine. The repository spaces are situated in the vicinity of the former main mining tunnel, which, together with 5 adjacent […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":2316,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2388","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/surao.gov.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2388","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/surao.gov.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/surao.gov.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surao.gov.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surao.gov.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2388"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/surao.gov.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2388\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/surao.gov.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/surao.gov.cz\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2388"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}