News

On 16 December 2014, the Permanent Repository for radioactive waste located near Novi Han (PR RAO – Novi Han) opened doors for visitors having interest to its work. The initiative was part of the events of the State Enterprise Radioactive Waste to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the installation. The programme of the Doors Open Day included a tour of the major facilities with information provided in detail to present the work and the history of the repository. Visitors were students and their teachers from the schools of the villages of Novi Han and Gabra, students, veterans, journalists and families of the facility’s workers.
Below are some impressions shared by the guests.
Tsvetanka Spasova, teacher in Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry, Gabra
Yes, there is waste here but on the other hand it is safe for the people. The children received a lot of knowledge and maybe if they come next year, they will have more questions because now they are still too young, they do not know a lot about the waste, yet I think that in time it will become more interesting for them. Personally I have no worries about the fact that I live near a nuclear facility.
Aleks, 8th class, Gabra
It was very interesting. I am not worried that I live near a nuclear facility.
Aleksandra and Angel, 6th class, Gabra
We liked very much the crane and the containers and the Press that reduces the size of the bags with the waste. How 30 bags fit into one container. It was very interesting by the Hot Chamber.
Silviya Apostolova, teacher in Bulgarian language and Literature, Gabra
The visit was pleasant and interesting. Thanks to the movie that we watched first, many of the things became clear for me and the children. In my opinion it was useful and nice.
Martin, 7th class, Journalist club, Novi Han
The most impressive was the storage Hot Chamber with its handling arms. The organisation was great. I am not afraid to live 8 km from the repository because I see that they are kept safe.  
Mariana Atanasova, teacher in Mathematics, Novi Han
For a first time I see such huge storage space. I have heard stories that the Repository in Novi Han is dangerous and I was prejudiced, but now I see that this is not like some claim it is – very dangerous for the man. We understood that the facility operates according to European programmes and directives. The people here are specialists. I do not know whether the children understood it all but maybe later they will. I recommend more visits like this to be initiated. It was my first visit and I was pleased by the organisation and the explanations.
Iliya Penev
There is a huge difference between what it was 20 years ago and now. I wish you to keep the good work and to continue to grow. All that is done is on a high professional level. It is great that there is such facility in Bulgaria. I wish you success!