nuclear-news

State of New Mexico says nuclear waste project poses disproportionate risk, locals supportive, Albuquerque Journal BY ADRIAN HEDDEN / CARLSBAD CURRENT-ARGUS, N.M. (TNS), Thursday, June 25th, 2020 New Mexico’s Executive Branch and activist groups continued their fight against a nuclear waste repository proposed to be built near the Eddy-Lea county line while supporters touted promises of economic benefits to the region and southeast New Mexico’s role in addressing the nation’s nuclear waste.The debate came during a Tuesday virtual public hearing hosted by the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to seek public comments on an environmental impact statement (EIS) issued by the NRC for Holtec International’s application for a license to build a consolidated interim storage facility (CISF) that would temporarily hold spent nuclear fuel at the surface while a permanent underground repository is developed…….

A second public hearing was scheduled via teleconference on July 9, with in-person meetings expected in August pending the COVID-19 health crisis.

The 40-year license application represented the first phase of the project, including 500 canisters of waste, but the entire project could comprise of 20 phases holding up to 173,000 metric tons of waste when complete.

All 20 phases were analyzed by the EIS, but not included in the first license application.

Canisters would be positioned in tunnels about 40 feet deep, and would be gradually cooled, reducing radiation.

Public comments already submitted during numerous 2018 NRC scoping meetings voiced concerns for transportation, the location near the Permian Basin oilfield, along with potential groundwater and soil contamination and the safety of the facility during an incident such as a fire or flood…….

State officials and residents spoke at the meeting, with some voicing support as others cited “grave concerns” for the project they contended could become permanent although it was pitched as temporary.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham voiced opposition in the past, calling the proposal “economic malpractice” for the perceived risk it posed to local industries such as agriculture and oil and gas.

Opposition cites environmental risk of more nuclear waste in New Mexico

New Mexico Environment Department Cabinet Secretary James Kenney said New Mexico already holds risk associated with nuclear activities through Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories along with the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant and the URENCO nuclear enrichment facility near Eunice.

He said vulnerable populations reside near the proposed sight, many minority groups also reliant on groundwater that could be impacted by the project.

Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department Sarah Cottrell Propst voiced similar concerns as Kenney, that the project could unduly impact New Mexicans by foisting nuclear waste onto the state.

“New Mexicans have shouldered a disproportionate burden of the waste associated from nuclear weapons development. Holtec is asking the NRC to have New Mexico shoulder more burden with the waste from nuclear generators,” Kenney said.

“The location suggested is in an area where people rely on groundwater and that is known for having sensitive karstic features.”

State Sen. Jeff Steinborn (D-36) of Las Cruces expressed concerns that the project could be in operation for much longer than the 40 years stipulated in the license application. 

He argued that the opposition from people outside of Eddy and Lea counties was valid as the transportation routes for the waste brought to the site passed throughout New Mexico and the nation.

Other state senators and representatives, mostly Republicans representing southeast New Mexico districts, were supportive of the project.

Steinborn introduced legislation during New Mexico’s January Legislative Session to increase state oversight of nuclear projects, but the bill was defeated in committee.

“The draft EIS cannot adequately analyze the long-term impacts of the project as there is no permanent repository. The application is for 40 years, but clearly the facility could be there much longer,” he said.

“And I have to take some exception when its characterized that outsiders’ opposition is not relevant. It is an issue for all New Mexicans.”

Camilla Feibelman, director of Rio Grande Chapter of Sierra Club said the project was not just an issue for southeast New Mexico to consider. She also argued that Holtec should be required to make financial assurances in case of an accident.

“We believe that this waste should be stored as close to its original site as possible,” she said. “New Mexicans should not be put at risk for any sum of money.”

Local leaders look to diversify economy through nuclear………. https://www.abqjournal.com/1469762/state-of-new-mexico-says-nuclear-waste-project-poses-disproportionate-risk-locals-supportive.html