Low- and intermediate-level waste in Loviisa is in a safe state

Fortum commissioned a low- and intermediate-level waste disposal facility on Loviisa's Hästholmen Island, near a nuclear power plant, in 1998. The waste is placed in tunnels excavated in the rock at a depth of approximately 110 metres.

The licence holder must prepare a safety assessment of the disposal facility every fifteen years for STUK. STUK received from Fortum the fixed-term safety assessment of the disposal facility at the end of 2020.  

STUK attached to its approval decision requirements for measures to further develop the safety of the disposal facility. These requirements relate, for example, to safety assessment, control and the management of human activities. Fortum must report these matters to STUK during 2022 and 2023.

The purpose of the Hästholmen disposal facility is to place all the low- and intermediate-level waste generated at the Loviisa power plant during operation and decommissioning. Fortum also plans to export small amounts of radioactive waste generated elsewhere in Finland.

The current operating licence of the facility does not allow the final disposal of all waste covered by Fortum's new plans. For new use, Fortum needs a new operating licence, and Fortum has initiated an environmental impact assessment procedure for this licence. This decision by STUK regarding the fixed-term safety assessment does not apply to a possible new operating licence.