From Deseret News archives:
Military should be more open
But it is disconcerting to think that a large part of the state is used for military training purposes and that the military apparently is not thoroughly picking up after itself. The long-term, accumulative effects are likely to render those lands unusable for many generations, even if circumstances one day lead the military to abandon its training range.
Also disconcerting is the fact that watchdog groups (in this case one called the Citizens Education Project) have to expend energy to find out about potential problems by scouring military documents. There is no reason why the military should not be more open and public about such things.
That land is extremely remote. Also, health problems are not likely to occur except from long-term exposure to the metal. But the watchdog group says that military exercises have, over the past 17 years, spread more than 400 pounds of depleted uranium in Utah that has not been recovered. Most of this remains on military land.
The test and training range is, in many ways, an asset to Utah. People in this part of the country are generally happy to assist the government in allowing exercises that help to protect freedom. Also, military installations add jobs and money to the economy.
But Utah also has seen the dark side of military involvement in the state. Not the least of these was the above-ground radiation testing that contaminated much of Utah and Nevada during the middle of the last century. Many people still feel betrayed by false government assurances during those days.
The least people should demand is an open and public accounting of the environmental effects of military training, especially when they affect public land.
Comments
- Cache woman still critical after crash 12:09 p.m.
- Crews working to free man in cave 12:03 p.m.
- Utes fall to Seattle U. at home 11:56 a.m.
- Quinn backs embattled Weis 11:54 a.m.
- 7 charged in Mumbai attacks 11:38 a.m.
- Energy prices rise despite supply 11:27 a.m.
- Toyota to replace 4M gas pedals 11:23 a.m.
- Lampropoulos in Senate race 11:19 a.m.
- Fed tightens conflict of interest rules 11:18 a.m.
- NATO offers troops for Afghanistan 11:16 a.m.
- Witness describes '99 killing
- Donny and Kym dance to victory
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- Howard made the rivalry a rivalry
- Cougars cruise past Southern
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Mitchell lawyers lose motion to leave
- Loyal to Cougarettes, Crimson Line
- Police increase presence at Skyline
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
252 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
225 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
198 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
138 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
126 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102 - 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years
95 - Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
90
I remember Howard's comment and BYU's 22-23 loss to the Utes. BYU fans can...
This rivalry is heated and everyone hates everyone else because of the...
Thanks to commenter "Scotty" for putting it all in honest perspective.
It took an Aggie (Lavell Edwards) to drag the Cougars out of their decades...
Ha ha ha ha ha Seatle!!!! Way to go Utah.
No fez starting, gee could not have played with Kous to change things in the...
@20/20 -- Amen! @8:36 and Well Done--- perfect responses. Yes, let's...
I totally agree with anonymous. "Seal it", you pay 50 bucks a month to sit at...
First, the article you reference is about New York State. Second, the...
Never mind "little things". Bigger is always better!


You can be the first to comment on this story.