Czech repository authority cancels tender for repository boreholes, completes geophysics tender

The Radioactive Waste Repository Authority (SÚRAO) has cancelled a tender for deep boreholes planned as part of surveys of areas for a proposed deep geological repository for radioactive waste. The sole bid submitted in the tender was too expensive. The authority will now apparently seek to tender the individual boreholes in stages. By contrast, the tender for geophysical surveys of the individual areas has been completed. SÚRAO spokesperson Martina Bílá told ČTK today. The authority is not yet anticipating delays to the schedule as a result of the cancelled contract.

The authority is working with four sites for the repository. These are the municipalities of Horka and Hrádek in the Vysočina Region, Janoch near Temelín in South Bohemia, and Březový potok in the Klatovy region.

According to a technical report prepared by the Czech Geological Survey and SÚRAO, a total of seven boreholes are planned across all shortlisted areas as part of the surveys. One to a depth of 1200 metres, two to around 600 metres and four angled boreholes to a depth of approximately 300 metres. The authority sought a contractor for all the boreholes in a public tender, but recently had to cancel it.