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
- George lost in rivalry hatefest 1:33 a.m.
- Paul returns after being out 1:04 a.m.
- Nets finally win 1:04 a.m.
- Olympus downs Box Elder 1:03 a.m.
- Saint Mary's next for Aggies 1:03 a.m.
- Cougars look to bounce back 1:03 a.m.
- Battle goes to PG's Hamson 1:03 a.m.
- Snow hopes to snap bowl game skid 1:03 a.m.
- U.S. gets favorable World Cup draw 1:03 a.m.
- Utah's Wynn healing up 1:03 a.m.
- Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
- Mr. Football 2009: Tuni Kanuch
- 5A high school football All-State
- 4A high school football: All-State
- Miller predicted Tiger's rough road
- Utah Jazz going green with unis
- Nutty Putty Cave to be sealed today
- Harpring's NBA career is over
- MVPs wrap up stellar prep careers
- Jazz: Miles, Kirilenko to play Friday
- Hall reprimanded by MWC
410 - Why is Y. ignoring spew of hatred?
294 - BYU says Hall incident resolved
247 - Letters: Liberal because LDS
237 - 2 citations issued at Y.-U. game
189 - Hate not limited to 1 in-state rivalry
185 - Aggies shoot past Cougars
179 - Max Hall: a fixture in rivalry lore
118 - N.Y. Senate rejects gay marriage
118 - Unbeaten BYU takes trip to Logan
104
First, a big thank you to all who posted questions here for me to ask...
What are you even doing on this article? This year you had, the most winning...
I am one devout Mormon who is also embarrassed by Glenn Beck, his show and...
hell yes! i love our draw and i love that we face england in the first round!...
Just looking at the 2nd team WR's stats, and I just want to know, why wasnt...
My health insurance premiums are going up double-digits this year, just as...
Utah has been to 2 BCS games in 5 years.... yawn been there done that got the...
Not all of are professors who have the vast amount of time to study all the...
You'll find Rio Tinto Stadium with one hand in the wallet of Salt Lake County...
If they expect due consideration and a civil public discourse, as you say,...


You can be the first to comment on this story.