1993 AGN MAR 02 I10 - Laserfiche WebLink

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The only suitable disposal technique for radionuclides is to isolate them from the environment long enough for them to decay to o form that i s no I onger hazardous . I•lowever , sha I I land burial is the metrjod of choice by the power fuI nuclear industry rather than a more expensive; environmentally sound technology. It is much cheaper for th►-, nuclear p.)wer industry to bury its power plants in shallow landfills th�,r� to build above -ground monitored, concrete or steel vaults, and properly containerize the waste until a more suitable technology is developed for the permanent disposal of radionuclides. These above -ground monitored retrievable vaults would allow for the replacement of leaking containers before the deadly radionuclides leaked into the environment and are the best way known to effectively isolate radionuclides from human contact. The major objection by the public all alon to 9 o nuclear power has been what to do with the lethal waste treat is produced. It was hoped that our scientists would have found a permanent solution to the problem by the time the nuclear Pwr plan and their fuel rods were ready for disposal. Theoattitudets was, "We 'II cross that bridge when we get to it." We are at the bridge, and there is no solutiorn in sight. It is obvious that it will take tremendous pressure from all those affected to force the nuclear power industryto deadly wastes from the environment. isolate its On December 28th, the Bureau of Land Management intends to transfer the land at Ward Valley to the state so the facility can be licensed. Since the governor is not standing by his promise to hold further public bearings, the license can be issued anytime after. the land is transferred. We expect that construction of the Ward Valley Nuclear Waste Dump will commence sometime this coming spring with nuclear waste deliveries to follow shortly thereafter. We will continue to insist that Governor Wilson hoid the promised adjudicatory hearings. We are continuing to work with members of the press to educate the public about the awesome dangers we face if Ward VaI1ey should be sited. Dur new congressional representatives will be briefed on the 'Wary Malley issue, as will our newly elected state representa- tives. We are committed to continuing to pressure our government to deal responsibility with the problem of effectively isolating radionuclides from the environment. Although this problem a patwe to chap in "rs overwhelming, e are personally should not g g tPerception. Our civilization per because we lacked the courage to face this awesome, terrifying challenge responsibly. -2-