Groundwater and environmental studies

Groundwater flowing through crevices and cracks of bedrock provides the radioactive substances contained in the spent nuclear fuel with the only pathway to make contact with humans and living nature. Groundwater flows in Olkiluoto have been studied for decades at different depths. Water flows and properties are thoroughly known today.

Hundreds of groundwater samples have been taken from the test holes drilled in Olkiluoto bedrock and groundwater pipes installed in a layer of soil, which have been analysed in various parts of the world. Groundwater samples represent different depth levels of bedrock up to a depth of approx. 1,000 m.

The final disposal canisters and deposition holes are placed in rock zones where cracking and groundwater movements are minimal.‍