Federal Office Approves Controversial Nuclear Waste Transports

The Federal Office for Nuclear Waste Management (BASE) has authorized significant nuclear waste transports from Jülich to Ahaus, despite widespread public opposition. This decision sets the stage for one of the largest road transports of nuclear waste witnessed in recent decades in North Rhine-Westphalia.

The operation involves the transfer of approximately 300,000 fuel element balls from a former research reactor, to be transported in 152 Castor containers over a distance of about 170 kilometers. The agency confirmed that these containers will be moved via heavy transport vehicles.

According to BASE, four specially equipped vehicles are prepared to facilitate the transportation, although the exact start date for these operations has yet to be determined. The approval granted by BASE includes specific conditions that are currently under review and must be implemented before transport commences. Additionally, further coordination is required with local nuclear oversight authorities as well as the police in North Rhine-Westphalia prior to initiating the transport.

Earlier statements from BASE suggested that the transports could commence no earlier than the fourth quarter of 2025, contingent upon the approval of all relevant state authorities. With no permanent storage facility for high-level radioactive waste in Germany, this waste is currently stored in sixteen interim storage sites, one of which is located in Ahaus.

The plan for nuclear waste transports has faced consistent resistance from local residents and environmental advocacy groups, who have voiced their concerns over the safety and environmental implications of such operations. However, a recent ruling by the Administrative Court of North Rhine-Westphalia upheld the legality of the storage facilities in Ahaus, dismissing a lawsuit filed by the city of Ahaus and a local resident.

Criticism has also come from the North Rhine-Westphalia Police Union (GdP), which has labeled the expected policing efforts as excessive. They estimate that the transport operation will require more than 50 trips by heavy-duty trucks, primarily occurring during nighttime hours to minimize disruption. Ensuring adequate police protection along the extensive 170-kilometer route is deemed essential for safety and security during the transports.

The former state chair of GdP, Michael Mertens, previously expressed concerns regarding the additional strain these operations would place on police resources, especially in light of existing security challenges. He pointed out potential hazards posed by deteriorating infrastructure, such as damaged bridges and poorly maintained roads, which could complicate the transportation process further.