Deep geological disposal in a stable formation, within a suitable geographical location, is an integral part of the overall waste disposal multi-barrier concept. The Engineered Barrier System (EBS) is located deep underground at depths up to 1000m.

A series of emplacement tunnels will be constructed deep underground to house the HLW and SF canisters. An example layout for a SF/HLW/ILW repository and an operational study (main facilities, emplacement tunnels, access ramp, surface facilities, ventilation tower, etc.) has been developed by Nagra.

A Nagra DVD is available outlining each design element, with computer animation used to show the individual components, facilities and procedures. An excerpt from this DVD is available online (see below)

A possible tunnel layout for a SF/HLW/ILW repository, designed for a sedimentary formation.

The images below are stills taken from the Nagra Deep Geological Disposal in Opalinus Clay DVD which outlines the procedures and methods for the remote emplacement of a HLW / spent fuel canister. An excerpt from the DVD showing the emplacement of an HLW canister can be downloaded here : excerpt from the Nagra Deep Geological Disposal in Opalinus Clay DVD (6.5MB MPG movie)

Possible remote emplacement method of an HLW / spent fuel canister
Overview of the tunnel layout	Transition zone to electric locomotive
Locomotive arrives at top of emplacement tunnel	HLW Canister is transferred for emplacement in the tunnel
Emplacement tunnel is back-filled with sand/bentonite pellets	Download the excerpt from the Nagra Deep Geological Disposal in Opalinus Clay DVD (6.5MB MPG movie), which briefly outlines the procedures and methods for the remote emplacement of a HLW / spent fuel canister. This excerpt is taken directly from the Nagra DVD (available to order online from Nagra). The excerpt does not have sound, the full DVD has a choice of English or German soundtrack.
Further Nagra DVDs and CDs : http://www.nagra.ch