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Blue Ribbon Commission for America’s Nuclear Future targeting South Carolina for waste dump?

South Carolina might be forced to take on an even larger nuclear waste role than it already has.

Blue Ribbon panel to tour SRS, look for solution, The Augusta Chronicle, 3 Jan 2011, Group tasked with finding answer for waste problem By Rob Pavey.In terms of nuclear issues, the eyes of the nation will be on Augusta this week as the Obama Administration’s Blue Ribbon Commission for America’s Nuclear Future visits Savannah River Site and Augusta.

The group, whose co-chairman is former national security advisor Brent Scowcroft, was asked to develop a new national plan for long-term disposal of spent nuclear fuel and similar wastes.

The task is as controversial as it is daunting, and commission members can expect an earful during their two-day visit.

“Defense waste like we have at Savannah River Site is a big part of the picture, but commercial nuclear fuel is part of the issue, too,” said Rick McLeod, the executive director of the SRS Community Reuse Organization, an economic development group that will make a presentation to the commission Friday……

Tom Clements, the southeastern nuclear campaign coordinator for Friends of the Earth, fears South Carolina might be forced to take on an even larger nuclear waste role than it already has.

“I believe that the commission’s meeting being held near SRS indicates that they are unfortunately eying the site for a role in future high-level waste management, which poses a real risk that SRS could become the new Yucca Mountain,” said Clements, who is scheduled to participate in a panel discussion during Friday’s meeting in Augusta.

Blue Ribbon panel to tour SRS, look for solution | The Augusta Chronicle

January 2, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | USA, wastes