The Finnish final disposal programme proceeds to the site selection

Research for the selection of the final disposal site has been carried out already since the beginning of 1980's. Field studies were started in 1987: In the recent years, studied sites have included Olkiluoto in Eurajoki, Has tholmen in Loviisa, Romuvaara in Kuhmo and Kivetty in Aanekoski. Based on 4 0 years operation of four power plant units, the estimate for the accumulat ion of spent fuel to be disposed of in Finland is 2,600 tU. A,,Decision in Principle" is needed from the Finnish government to select the final dispos al site, Posiva submitted the application for a policy decision in May 1999 . The intended site of the facility is Olkiluoto which produces most of the spent fuel in Finland: a disposal would minimise the need of transports. I n a poll among the inhabitants of Eurajoki, 60 per cent approved the final disposal facility. After a positive decision of the government, Posiva will construct an under ground research facility in Olkiluoto, The construction of the final dispos al facility will take place in the 2010's, the facility should be operation al in 2020.