Re: Canadians reject nuclear disposal

["Jim Ogden" <James.Ogden@tdh.state.tx.us>]

Sandy's item concerning deep geological disposal again highlights the 
need for public education on this issue.  With the opening of the 
WIPP (Waste  Isolation Pilot Plant) still subject to EPA 
certification and Yucca mountain still under review we all need to 
assess our views on such disposal.

We have other facilities to look at that have been in operation for 
over 20 years - specifically the German sites of Morsleben and Herfa. 
 Both sites already have waste on site. While Morsleben was 
originally designed to  accept powerplant and research 
waste from the former East Germany, it now accepts low 
and intermediate-level radioactive waste.  The Herfa facility was 
designated to accept  chemically hazardous waste and still is 
handling waste that originated in either the chemical or 
metallurigical industries.

A look at current waste storage facilities in this country may 
influence the discussion.  Approximately 53 million people are living 
within 50-100 miles of the stockpiled radioactive waste.  Deep 
geologic disposal would reduce this number to around 100,000  people 
at the 50 mile range.  However, this brings the concern of 
transportation into the public mind.

Please log on several of the websites which discuss transportation 
options for a look for yourself.

What do you think of the sites currently under discussion for 
operation in this country?  Let's discuss this issue.

Note:  These are my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect 
those of my employer.

Thanks,


James H. Ogden, Jr., Emergency Planner
WIPP Transportation Project
INTERNET Address (james.ogden@tdh.state.tx.us)
(512) 834-6688 ext 2016
(512) 834-6654 FAX