From Deseret News archives:
N-waste coming to or through Utah
Contractor limiting options because it's in a rush, critics say
The radium-bearing waste stored in concrete silos will either come through Utah by the truckloads or be dumped at Envirocare of Utah's landfill 75 miles west of Salt Lake City.
"Currently, right now our only option is to send it by truck to the Nevada Test Site," said Jeff Wagner, spokesman for Fluor Fernald, the Energy Department's contractor. "We will ship the waste off-site."
By the end of 2006, Fernald hopes to complete the cleanup of the Fernald plant, where atomic bomb fuel was made. The Fernald Performance Management Plan, released 17 months ago, specifies that 8,890 cubic yards of the silo waste would be shipped to Envirocare. It set a target date for removal of April 2005.
In order to do that, DOE would first pursue a reclassification of the Fernald tailings so that commercial companies could bid on the waste. The plan specifically mentions Envirocare by name.
"(Fernald officials) came to us," said Tim Barney, senior vice president of Envirocare. "They said we have this material. We've looked at our options and we think sending it to you would be safer and cheaper."
Envirocare has said it plans to ship the waste by rail, and that the 27 train-car loads would ultimately save U.S. taxpayers $30 million.
Recent opposition to this plan has prompted Envirocare to hold off on taking the waste until Utah wins regulatory oversight for uranium mill tailings from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and after a state task force completes its study at the end of next year. The earliest the waste would come to Utah, provided Envirocare even wins the bid, would be 2005, and then it would come only after state regulators gave their approval.
Fernald plans to move forward with or without Utah's support.
"We just need to keep moving along in this process," said Wagner. "We're obviously disappointed."
But critics say the waste doesn't have to come through Utah at all. They say Fluor Fernald is limiting its options to Nevada or Utah because it's in a rush to complete the $1.6 billion cleanup job in order to receive a substantial bonus.
Comments
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime 1:11 a.m.
- UVU beats SUU; USU wins big 12:57 a.m.
- BYU spikers end season with a loss 12:55 a.m.
- Iverson may be headed to 76ers 12:34 a.m.
- Credit Coug defense for win 12:33 a.m.
- Aggies blow away T-birds 12:32 a.m.
- Mo steals show in Cavaliers' victory 12:31 a.m.
- Editorial: Facilitate Big Brother? 12:22 a.m.
- Mom befriends wife of PTSD vet 12:21 a.m.
- Political clash over U.S. debt 12:21 a.m.
- Cave to be sealed with body inside
- Predicting the unpredictable: BYU wins
- Vegas, Poinsettia bowls or bust
- BYU football: 5 keys to victory
- Glover gives Utes last-second upset
- Cougars turn back Wildcats'
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
- Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
- Running game key to BYU offense
- Woods, wife unavailable for interview
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
394 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
130 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
115 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
115 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
113 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
88 - Hall's legacy measured today
75 - Y. focused on 10-win season
73 - Letters: C02 causes warming
70
I wanted to tell them not to go. I dropped subtle hints. "My money is on...
When I was a kid, I worshipped my grandpa. He was undoubtedly my hero....
It's BEER, not acid people! Some people love having it sprayed on themselves....
I believe Max Hall cemented his legacy tonight with his lack of...
I find it interesting that these comment come after a so-so performance in a...
If you really think BYU is more arrogant than USC or UCLA or so many other...
cougars baby!!!!!
I have one word for the BYU AND UTAH fans: TCU!!!! hahahaha
Two great examples of lack of class surfaced tonight: Pete Carroll, USC's...
Don't forget my favorite Max stat. 2 out of 3. Yeah, I bet that...
Thanks for the comment Max! I hope you keep on playing just like you have...
Neat article! (Yes, I'm a little biased :) It's been an exciting time to be...




You can be the first to comment on this story.