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North Dakota citizens angry at plan to increase allowable levels of radiation at dump sites

Raising radiation limits draws citizens’ anger Bismarck Tribune January 21, 2015   By LeAnn Eckroth A state Health Department plan to track and dispose of radioactive waste from the oil patch drew nearly 130 people to a two-hour hearing Wednesday in Bismarck. A majority who testified said the plan had serious gaps in public safety.

Signs against higher levels of TENORM — technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material — at special landfill sites were taped to the walls of the Environmental Training Center and even hung over a few attendees’ necks.

Dakota Resource Council members and members of area tribes said the state Health Department had given inadequate notice and education about the plan to increase TENORM levels allowed at radioactive disposal sites from 5 picocuries per gram to 50. They demanded more hearings, saying the Feb. 6 deadline for comments was not enough time…..

Audience members challenged whether the state agency had enough staff and money to fully regulate TENORM disposal sites.

“You told me that the industry came and asked you for this. I know no North Dakota citizen came to you asking for an increase in radioactivity to poison themselves, their children or grandchildren,” said Joletta Birdbear, a member of the Mandan Hidatsa and Arikira tribe and a DRC member.

Gene Wirtz, a farmer  from Underwood, said the levels shouldn’t be raised. He said county commissioners voted against a radioactive waste site near his home.

“I see this as an end run to get that dump back,” he said. “No amount of radiation is good. Anytime you raise the amount of radiation you are exposed to, you are going to raise the risk of cancer.”……..

January 24, 2015 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | radiation, USA