Friday, August 19, 2005
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal
Nevada's senators challenge latest nuclear waste transportation policy
By KEITH ROGERS
REVIEW-JOURNAL
Nevada's senators sent a letter Wednesday to Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman criticizing his latest policy that calls for using dedicated trains to haul highly radioactive waste to the planned Yucca Mountain repository.
The policy "is another example of piecemeal decision-making on DOE's part," states the letter from Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev.
The senators noted that it's been more than 20 years since passage of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act and "DOE still has not prepared a comprehensive transportation plan."
Bodman on July 18 announced the policy to use "dedicated train service," meaning train service for one commodity.
Until then, transportation planners for the Energy Department had anticipated using general freight service for rail shipments that would bring much of the 77,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel and highly radioactive defense wastes to Yucca Mountain, 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas.
Reid and Ensign questioned the new policy's reference to security benefits, which says, "DOE shipments have been and will continue to be made securely using both DTS (dedicated train service) and general freight service."
The senators asked Bodman to explain the circumstances under which the Department of Energy would use general freight service instead of dedicated train service.
They also want to know how radiological risks to train crews, the general public and workers at marshalling yards were evaluated.
Their letter says one-third of the reactor sites where spent fuel is stored have no rail access. That means heavy haul trucks and even barges will have to be used.
"Will dedicated train service be used at these 24 sites? If so, please provide DOE's plans and timeline for providing the necessary infrastructure."
Bodman's press secretary, Craig Stevens, said Thursday that Bodman's office had not received the letter but once it arrives "we will review it and answer the senators.
"We remain committed to opening Yucca Mountain using the best science and technology available to ensure the safety and health of all citizens," Stevens said.
