Abstract: A method for accessing a subterranean zone from the surface includes drilling a substantially vertical well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone and forming a slot cavity in the substantially vertical well bore proximate to the subterranean zone. The slot cavity comprises a substantially non-cylindrical shape. The method also includes drilling an articulated well bore from the surface to the subterranean zone. The articulated well bore is horizontally offset from the substantially vertical well bore at the surface and intersects the substantially vertical well bore at a junction proximate to the subterranean zone. The method may include drilling the articulated well bore to intersect the slot cavity of the substantially vertical well bore and drilling a substantially horizontal drainage pattern from the slot cavity into the subterranean zone. The subterranean zone may comprise a coal seam.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method is provided for preventing formation of sludge in a subsurface cavity having particulate laden fluid disposed therein. The method includes positioning a downhole device having a fluid agitator into the fluid of the subsurface cavity and agitating the fluid using the fluid agitator.

Abstract: A kit for building a water feature, in which all of the materials necessary to construct a pond are provided in a single container. In an alternate form, all materials necessary to build a waterfall or other water feature are provided in a single container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for manufacturing underground caverns suitable in one embodiment for storage of large volumes of gaseous or liquid materials. The method is an acid dissolution process that can be utilized to form caverns in carbonate rock formations. The caverns can be used to store large quantities of materials near transportation facilities or destination markets. The caverns can be used for storage of materials including fossil fuels, such as natural gas, refined products formed from fossil fuels, or waste materials, such as hazardous waste materials. The caverns can also be utilized for applications involving human access such as recreation or research. The method can also be utilized to form calcium chloride as a by-product of the cavern formation process.

Abstract: The present invention revolves around the incorporation and use of existing drilled wells, either dry holes, abandoned or converted producing wells and/or new, to be drilled wells or any other well(s), of any diameter and any depth, located, sited, designed and fabricated to store and cycle compressed natural gas or other gasses or hydrocarbon liquids within the contained cavity of the well-bore casing in any volume and with any degree (high or low) of deliverability.

Abstract: Grouting equipment and methods suitable for use in underground water wells, which accomplish their goals by better centering the grouting equipment within a bore hole, even in curved bore holes, in an manner that prevents leakage of the grout into the well. Improved grouting is achieved by using corrugated, bendable incasings and expandable tubes which create a seal between the incasing and the well wall for the grout, and which prevent both contaminated surface water and grout from contaminating the groundwater. The disclosed techniques are implementable in such a manner that grouting does not necessarily need to precede the location of a groundwater nappe.

Abstract: A Borehole Mining method comprising driving a borehole, into a production zone under a low-degree angle &agr; (0<&agr;<35°), installation in said borehole a mining device with a hydromonitor and eductor, water-jet cutting of rock, pumping-out a slurry, and creating a cavity. Said tool is positioned such that the hydromonitor is oriented at an angle &bgr; to the horizontal plane. The projection on said plane of the water-jet equals to the desired span of the driven cavity. The borehole may be driven sinking or raising. The BHM tool is inserted/removed from the borehole while mining without rotation, extending said cavity along the borehole. Said borehole can be driven from a land or water surface trough the mother-well drilled vertically and then deviated. It also may be driven straight from an underground mine or open pit floor. After a creation of said cavity, it may back-filled with a waste or hardening material.

Abstract: There is described a method and a liner for in situ renovation of a sewer manhole, e.g., a transition well, where inside the well there is inserted a prefabricated liner in the shape of a glass fiber reinforced stocking of thermosetting polyester or epoxy formed by winding, weaving or braiding externally of a unilaterally suspended mold with a diameter allowing the mold to be lowered through a manhole curb or cone, the rubber coating consisting of a detachable rubber bag that is fastened to a flange to be displaced externally on the mold, the polyester or epoxy liner being wound, woven or braided in such a way that the length/diameter ratio of the liner may subsequently be changed by changing the length/diameter ratio of the liner as the polyester or epoxy impregnated glass fibers are connected with the flange by the winding, weaving or braiding.

Abstract: A rain-water storing permeation structure can be applied to facilities, such as architectures like buildings, roads, water channels, parks and play grounds, factory sites and domestic sites, as well as water storing blocks used for such a structure and a connecting member for connecting the water storing blocks to each other. The rain-water storing permeation structure of the present invention is provided with a water-shielding layer placed in a recessed section in the ground, a water-storing layer that is constituted by water-storing blocks made of a hard resin foam member having an inner space, and that is placed inside the water-shielding layer, and a lid layer.

Abstract: A compressed gas storage tank 10 utilizes a rock-bed cavity 11 in which a bentonite slurry is fed into an underground cavity 11 formed in a rock-bed, a forcibly fed compressed gas is stored in said rock-bed cavity in a state in which the compressed gas is loaded with a pressure load of the bentonite slurry from the underside of the compressed gas, the bentonite slurry in the rock-bed cavity 11 is of a dual layer structure consisting of an upper layer composed of a light bentonite slurry 30 mixed with a filling-up material invading into and filling up a void and a crack formed in an inner wall surface and a lower layer composed of a heavy bentonite slurry 13 mixed with a high specific gravity fine powder as a load condition material.

Abstract: A cavity positioning tool is provided that includes a head piece adapted to receive a downhole string having a longitudinal axis. A plurality of blunt arms are coupled to the head piece. The blunt arms are operable to be radially extended outward from a first position of substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis to a second extended position.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a downhole separation tool is provided which utilizes a downhole separation chamber with a series of fluid regulators responsive to a formation fluid and constituent components for separate desirable formation yields from the less desirable yields prior to lifting the fluids to the surface. The separation chamber has an input for the formation fluid, a production output, and a disposal output, in a tree arrangement according to the density order of the fluids in the separation chamber. The input flow regulator is coupled to the separation chamber input, the production regulator is coupled to the production output, and the disposal regulator is coupled to the disposal output. Each of the regulators are responsive to a fluid density of the formation fluid, first constituent and remainder constituent, accordingly, to regulate the flow of the respective fluid.

Abstract: An installation for storing of natural gas or some other fluid comprises a lined underground storage space. Inside the rock wall of the storage space, there is a concrete layer for supporting an inner impermeable lining layer. According to the invention, the concrete layer has a crack distribution control reinforcement layer closer to the impermeable lining layer than to the rock wall in order to divide large cracks in to smaller cracks and to distribute the cracks over a larger area of the impermeable lining layer. Also according to the invention, there is provided between the impermeable lining layer and the concrete layer a non-binding sliding layer to facilitate relative movements between the impermeable lining layer and the concrete layer.

Abstract: A swimming pool formed in a natural or man-made body of fresh or salt water includes a flooring material which allows water to pass through, but does not allow dirt or other natural sediment to pass through. The flooring material comprises a layer of stones sandwiched between two layers of geotextile material and a top layer of non-skid vinyl or PVC decking material.

Abstract: A device for retaining garden beds, retaining water, and/or blocking plant roots, with the device having two connected reinforcing members with a liquid permeable member positioned between the reinforcing members. A method of building a garden bed includes using the device around the perimeter of a bed. A method for building a pond or stream includes using the device around the perimeter of the pond or stream. Finally, a method of blocking root travel includes burying the device to block travel.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting an underground storage tank (UST) wherein the sump is installed without first excavating the tank backfill away from the top of the UST or cutting existing piping associated with the turbine pump and UST. The containment sump wall is a prefabricated cylinder or ring of fiberglass-reinforced plastic. The ring is pushed downward into the tank backfill around the turbine pump as backfill material inside the ring is removed. During the installation process, vertical slots are cut into the ring as needed to allow the ring to clear the piping associated with the turbine pump. When the ring is in position around the turbine pump, a sump floor is constructed in place, and bonded to the ring using conventional fiberglass layup technology. Moreover, any piping that penetrates the sump is isolated from the sump wall and floor by means of FRP sleeves, which are bonded to the wall or floor of the sump.

Abstract: A pit assembly 10 is provided to assist in the installation of a pit, such as a dynamometer pit, into cementitious material. The pit assembly 10 includes a pan 20 which has an open top and an interior region having a desired size for housing equipment, such as a dynamometer. A floor of the pan 20 is preferably at least partially sloped so that any liquids within the pan 20 migrate to a sump 40 in the pan 20. A rebar cage 50 surrounds the pan 20. The rebar cage 50 is securely attached to the pan 20 through ties 52, 54, 56. The rebar cage 50 includes various different loops 60, 62, 64 and other rebar segments forming the rebar cage 50. The rebar cage 50 is attached to the pan 20 before the cementitious material is poured around the pit assembly 10 and before the pan 20 is placed in the desired position.

Abstract: The paving system has a perforated pavement covering a deep substrate of mainly hard nodules or shells, the whole being surrounded by impervious walls to provide temporary storage in the interstices for chemical spillage or flood water, wherein liquids may be chemically treated or biologically decomposed, and from whence the rate of outflow may be regulated, the pavement consisting of preformed pavings of brick, concrete or other material, laid edge to edge without mortar or cement, and these pavings can be perforated or notched to allow liquids to run down into the substrate. The pavings are laid on a screen which filters out solid particles to reduce clogging. The system allows biological substances to grow, or be introduced, with or without additional nutrients, and allows chemical treatments to be introduced, from above, when needed. The whole pavement system can be lifted out for cleaning or, substitution, and relaid as new.

Abstract: An underground continuous wall building method and apparatus in which a chain cutter 2 provided with excavation blades is obliquely mounted on a running carriage 1. Slanting continuous trenches G1, G2 are excavated by moving the running carriage 1 in a transverse direction while rotating the cutter 2 with the cutter 2 obliquely placed in the ground, and a water cutoff material is poured into the excavated continuous trenches G1, G2 and solidified therein to build slanting continuous walls R1, R2 in the ground.

Abstract: A method of upgrading the area below a dispenser to contain accidental release harmful materials from contaminating the soil below grade without repiping, electrical changes, or concrete disruption.

Abstract: A method of upgrading an existing unprotected submersible pump area with secondary containment to prevent accidental release of harmful materials from contaminating the soil below grade.

Abstract: A septic tank adapted for burial in soil includes a movable anchor that extends near the bottom of the tank to hold the tank in the soil.

Abstract: In a method for excavating rock cavities in the form of substantially cylindrical, vertical or low placed rock cavities for the storage of gas, fluid, solid products or for another purpose, one first, from a transport tunnel (2), excavates an upper circular room (3). From this circular room (3), one excavates the roof shape of the rock cavity (1) to be; and then, from a second transport tunnel (7) excavates a second annular tunnel (5) from a middle level in the rock cavity (1) to be. From the second transport tunnel (7), one also excavates a lower circular room (8) situated on a level which is substantially at the level where the lowest level of the rock cavity (1) to be, is. At this lowest level one excavates a third annular tunnel (13); between the circular room (8) and the third annular tunnel (13) provides tap holes (9).

Abstract: A dispenser sump which includes a deflection surface and a distribution channel for distributing liquids about the interior periphery of the sump to allow insertion of fluid removal apparatus along any wall of the sump. The sump also provides increased structural rigidity to support backfill surrounding the sump and to maintain shape integrity.

Abstract: Underground storage tank consisting of an internal metal structure (1), a static external facing (2) in contact with the surrounding soil (3) and a filler (5) located between the metal structure (1) and the static facing (2), the filler (5) being stabilized by a netting (6) secured onto the metal structure (1) by joint plates (7), while the netting is embedded in the filler (5) which is thickened by charging vessels (18) combined with feed bushes (15) through which the filler (5) is poured into the cavity wall. For Liquid Gas Low Temperature Storage Tanks, the transverse channels (4) for detection and drainage of any leaks are consisting of two omega shaped sections (21, 22) whereas blown or non-blown bitumen to which polymers are added is used as a filler (5).

Abstract: A new method for making large underground storage caverns in bedded or domal salt deposits for the storage of fluid materials in areas where solution mining water temperatures are low by a process which significantly reduces the amount of time required to make equivalent sized underground storage caverns and which is economically feasible and friendly to the environment. The process includes the warm water solution mining of the underground salt deposits in a manner which conserves the heat contained in the supernatant brine from the underground cavity and employs this heat as a significant source for warming the water employed in the solution mining operation.

Abstract: A chamber for installation underground is formed of extruded or moulded plastics material. Preferably, the chamber comprises a plurality of sections (1,2,3) which are assembled in situ. The sections are preferably formed by cutting and jointing lengths of extruded or blow-moulded plastics material, and the chamber is then assembled by forming a stack of such sections.

Abstract: A buried fluid storage tank with a single fluid-tight enclosure which comprises an external concrete enclosure buried into the ground, a rigid structure with a bottom slab and possibly a covering dome as well as a fluid-tight heat-insulating envelope which defines inside of the structure a fluid loading space, whereas the external enclosure has the shape of a thick substantially fluid-tight wall, this enclosure as well as the covering dome being made integral with each other from one single piece of material and forming together with the bottom slab the stiffening structure of the tank, the invention being applicable to a confinement tank in particular for a harbor terminal for loading a liquefied natural gas.

Abstract: The invention provides caverns and methods for producing caverns in bedded salt deposits for the storage of materials that are not solvents for salt. The contemplated salt deposits are of the bedded, non-domed variety, more particularly salt found in layered formations that are sufficiently thick to enable the production of commercially usefully sized caverns completely encompassed by walls of salt of the formation. In a preferred method, a first bore hole is drilled into the salt formation and a cavity for receiving insolubles is leached from the salt formation. Thereafter, at a predetermined distance away from the first bore hole, a second bore hole is drilled towards the salt formation. As this drill approaches the salt, the drill assumes a slant approach and enters the salt and drills through it in a horizontal direction until it intersects the cavity for receiving insolubles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved swimming pool comprising a base forming the bottom of the pool. A sidewall extends about a peripheral edge of the base. The sidewall has an inner surface facing an interior of the pool, and an outer surface facing an exterior of the pool. An inner coating is disposed on the inner surface of the sidewall and on the base for affixing the sidewall to the base and for forming an interior surface for the pool. The sidewall comprises a plurality of flexible panels, which define a plurality of vertical joints. A plurality of upright supports are affixed to the outer surface of the sidewall at the vertical joints. A plurality of contour panels are affixed to the outer surface of the sidewall proximate the vertical joints and define a plurality of cavities therebetween. The cavities contain the upright supports. A plurality of vertical support columns are molded within the cavities for supporting the sidewall and integrally joining the flexible panels.

Abstract: Upon completion of dislodging and transporting mine material from an underground mine, the mine is converted to a repository for the disposal of hazardous waste. The mine includes a network of connected chambers each formed by surrounding sidewalls into which parallel spaced boreholes are drilled to dislodge mine material from a seam in the rock formation. For use as repository, each borehole is lined with a layer of water permeable material. Drums containing hazardous waste are encapsulated within spherical cement modules. The modules are positioned in spaced relation within the boreholes. Shock absorbing reinforcing material fills the voids within the boreholes surrounding the modules to protect the modules from damage due to seismic disturbances in the underground formation. Each of the cement modules is ventilated to dissipate heat through an air plenum into the central chamber.

Abstract: A method of excavating an underground area liable to flooding or collapsing during excavation, wherein the area is susceptible to disaggregation by high pressure water jet and is located above rock of strength suitable for drifting a gallery comprises drifting a gallery in the rock beneath the area, freezing at least a perimeter of the area to form a frozen perimeter, and excavating material from within the frozen perimeter using a high pressure water jet and one or more boreholes between the gallery and the area. Preferably the whole area is frozen for excavation.

Abstract: A waste disposing ground or facility includes a space in the form of a cavity for receiving waste therein. A planar structure covers the entire overall upper opening of the cavity. The planar structure is constructed in advance of starting disposal of waste into the cavity. Arranged on the lower surface of the planar structure is a system for spraying water on the waste. Disposed at the bottom of the cavity is a system for discharging air. Since air can be discharged from the bottom of the cavity that is closed by the planar structure, the atmosphere surrounding the waste in the cavity can be changed from an anaerobic state to an aerobic state. Since water is supplied on the waste, decomposition of organic substances which decompose under aerobic conditions can be promoted. If air is not discharged from the air discharging system, the waste is placed in an anaerobic condition, and decomposition of the organic substances which decompose under such conditions can be promoted.

Abstract: Underground storage tank consisting of an internal metal structure (1), of a static external facing (2) and of a filler (4) such a hot blown bitumen located between the metal structure (1) and the static facing (2), the outer surface of the metal structure (1) presenting welded structural shapes (7) properly spaced and cross connected to increase the bond between the metal structure (1) and the filler (4).

Abstract: A subsoil structure for sodded ground comprising a water-retaining layer filling a pan-like cavity, a sand layer covering the water-retaining layer, and a soil-improving layer covering the sand layer and incorporating a soil-improving material which is of a porous structure.Since the soil-improving layer has a good water-retentivity and the water-retaining layer is provided for retaining or storing water, the number of watering times can be extremely reduced, thereby saving time and labor for watering.

Abstract: A vadose zone monitoring system for detecting leaks from a contaminant storage facility or the like is disclosed in which leaks are detected in a confined radial area around at least one generally horizontal, neutron access tube disposed under the landfill. A wicking layer of material increases the leakage detection coverage area by laterally transmitting leakage to the access tube via capillary action. A clay liner may be disposed between the landfill and wicking layer for controlling the rate of leakage to prevent build-up of a pressure head large enough to force liquid through the wicking layer before it is conducted laterally to the access tube. Leak detection may be carried out by neutron moderation techniques or other moisture detection schemes for developing logs indicative of the leakage from the landfill. The wicking layer permits an entire network of access tubes or other leak detection means to be installed under substantially the entire landfill for monitoring leaks therefrom.

Abstract: A secondary containment structure formed of a slurry infiltrated fiber concrete composite is used above ground or underground to enclose material storage containers and to safely contain any materials leaked from the container. The structure is a hollow configuration having a bottom wall, at least one side wall, and a removable top wall. The interior volume of the structure exceeds the volume capacity of the container which is enclosed therein. The bottom wall is sloped to facilitate drainage of any liquid leaked from the container and the top wall may have covered apertures to allow access to the container.

Abstract: An underground compressed natural gas ("CNG") storage and service system is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of underground storage containers, a compressor for compressing natural gas, and first conduit means for conducting CNG from the compressor to the storage containers and from the storage containers to a vehicle or other location. In one embodiment, each storage container is an elongated (e.g., 100 feet) string of conventional oil field casing sealed at both ends and positioned in a borehole drilled into the earth. A reinforcing concrete sheath surrounds the casing. A siphon line is disposed within the casing for removing contaminating material that accumulates therein.Also provided is a method of installing an underground CNG storage apparatus having a predetermined gas volume capacity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a thermal storage tank for the long term storage of a thermal storage medium whose energy is available on demand for satisfying cooling or heating loads. The tank may be earth excavated and include side walls of a lightweight, high strength concrete that retains its thermal insulating characteristics even when exposed to groundwater. A unique inverted frustrum shape for the tank offers numerous advantages. In association with a cold storage tank, a novel submerged, single point ice introduction system provides a much improved formation of the ice mass in the tank. Also provided for the cold storage tank is a novel floating top that provides a ballast effect to keep the ice mass submerged.

Abstract: A system for isolating a dump sitting on the ground has three different structures which are installed under the dump sequentially, as needed. The first structure includes a tunnel driven longitudinally through the ground underneath the dump and an array of drainage pipes passing through the ground and each having a lower end opening into the tunnel and an upper end at the surface. The second structure includes a water barrier in the ground around at least some of the drainage pipes. The third structure includes a water-impervious mass of backfill in a slit underneath the barrier and having a lower end at the tunnel and an upper end at the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved swimming pool comprising a base forming the bottom of the pool. A plurality of upright supports are disposed about the base with a side wall sheet being affixed to the plurality of upright supports. The side wall sheet has an inner surface and an outer surface. An inner coating is disposed on the inner surface and is disposed on the base for affixing the side wall sheet to the base and for forming an interior surface for the pool. An outer coating is disposed on the outer surface for affixing the side wall sheet to the plurality of upright supports.

Abstract: A dump sitting on the ground is isolated by first driving a tunnel longitudinally through the ground underneath the dump, then cutting from at least one side of the tunnel with a longwall-mining machine a longitudinally and transversely extending slit having a lower end opening into the tunnel and an upper end opening at ground level, and providing a liquid barrier in the slit underneath the dump. The material dug by the machine to form the slit is first conveyed downward along the slit into the tunnel and thence along and out of the tunnel. Stowing material is brought into the slit from the upper end thereof to backfill behind the machine. The cutting machine itself can be a standard cutter head with a longwall conveyor and a set of following props that hold up the roof behind the cutter until this area is backfilled.

Abstract: Sand and gravel material conveyed from a floating dredger is fed to a treatment installation where silt is separated. The silt arising in the process may be fed over a floating pipe line and swingable pipe so arranged as to feed silt to an under-water diffuser which deposits the material for sealing-off on the lake bottom or its side. The diffuser may be arranged by a floating station.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and method for holding and treating water contaminated with one or more water-soluble contaminants to substantially prevent the contaminants from seeping into ground water supplies disposed below a water hold area. The article of manufacture and method include the use of a water-holding material, e.g., a water-swellable clay, such as bentonite, for reducing the permeation of the contaminated water into the soil, and a treatment layer, disposed beneath the water-holding material, containing a material capable of adsorbing, absorbing, ion-exchanging, neutralizing or reacting with one or more water-soluble contaminants within the water for removing a substantial portion of the contaminants from the water so that the portion of the held water that permeates the water-holding layer, will be rendered substantially less contaminated.

Abstract: A sewage collection and separation tank (10) and method of construction is described. The sewage tank is built on a prepared earthen site (21) and is comprised of a tank floor (11) constructed from multiple wedge shaped concrete floor sections (13, 15, 17 and 19) that encase a first elastomeric gasket (37) mounted around the perimeter of a centrally located sump pump pit (23). A second elastomeric gasket (41) is mounted in a side (13c) of the first section so that half of the second gasket remains exposed. The tank floor is completed when the fourth section is poured. By the time the fourth section of the tank floor is poured, the first section has cured to the point that the first section will not seal against the wet concrete of the fourth section. However, a side (19e) of the fourth section, adjacent to the first section, encases the exposed half of the second gasket. This provides a liquid impervious seal between the adjacent first and fourth sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for excavating and preparation of rock cavities and then substantially spherical rock cavities or rock cavities having spherically shaped parts, such as dome-shaped ceilings, which rock cavities are intended as shelter, for the storage of solid or liquid products or for production plants in rock, whereby one drills a first series of radially outwardly extending holes (6) from a first distance (4) from one or more shafts/tunnels (3, 13, 14, 15, 16), preferably radially arranged from the center of a sphere projected; that one drills a second series of radially outwardly extending holes (8) from a second, far more out arranged distance (7) from the center, which holes (8) extend outside the holes of the first series; that one drills a third series of radially outwardly extending holes (10) from a third, further far more out arranged distance (9) from the center, which holes (10) extend outside the holes (8) of the second series; that optionally further series of holes (1

Abstract: An assembly intended for use on underground storage tanks provides ready access to a fill pipe from ground level. At the same time the assembly serves as a spill containment means for accidental spillage and a secondary containment means for the fill pipe. The assembly of the invention comprises a secondary containment chamber having a sidewall with means for attaching to the storage tank. An anchor ring which is attached to an upper open end of the containment chamber acts as a permanent ground base for the assembly. A bridging surface cover within the anchor ring has a removable lid positioned in its interior portion to gain access to the chamber's interior for a filling operation. The assembly also comprises a fill pipe for delivering liquid to the storage tank. The fill pipe is positioned within the secondary containment chamber with a discharging end extending through the chamber's bottom and a receiving end terminating within the chamber but near the bridging surface cover.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and method for holding and treating water contaminated with one or more water-soluble contaminants to substantially prevent the contaminants from seeping into ground water supplies disposed below a water holding area. The article of manufacture and method include the use of a water-holding material, e.g, a water-swellable clay, such as bentonite, for reducing the permeation of the contaminated water into the soil, and an inground treatment layer containing a material capable of adsorbing, absorbing, ion-exchanging, neturalizing or reacting with one or more water-soluble contaminants within the water for removing a substantial portion of the contaminants from the water so that the portion of the held water that permeates the water-holding layer, will be rendered substantially less contaminated.

Abstract: A method of making a storage tank system comprises forming a cylindrical-shaped inner tank with integral support ribs and forming a series of interior wall sections which are at least partially separated from the tank's walls between each set of support ribs. Each wall section is preferably bonded to the side walls of adjoining ribs. The walls of the storage tank are strengthened by the support ribs and wall sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a store (1) for the storage of environmentally harmful substances (2), such as stable toxic compounds and long-lived nuclear materials, etc., which store comprises a number of cavities (6) in rock intended for holding the substances (2) in question, with a roof (8) above said cavities, and with the cavities (6)in question being surrounded by a hydraulic barrier (7). Amongst other things, the invention permits a passive dry store to be achieved. Holding cavities for storage are formed by drilled vertical holes (6) which extend down to a level (10) situated above a subjacent drainage and ventilation zone (11). The hydraulic barrier (7), which is displaced laterally in relation to the storage boreholes (6), and the ventilation holes (12) situtated to the side are connected to a subjacent drainage and ventilation zone (9).