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Independent regulatory commissions

NRC Faces Criticism Over Proposed Radioactive Waste Storage Plan

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has been criticized over its proposal to construct and operate a Consolidated Interim Storage Facility (CISF) for spent nuclear fuel and Greater-Than Class C (GTCC) waste in Andrews County, Texas. The plan, which has been met with opposition from environmental groups and local communities, would involve the import and storage of 40,000 tons of radioactive waste for 40 years, or potentially forever. The plan has been deemed environmentally unjust, particularly given the region's susceptibility to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, sinkholes, and wildfires.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed Consolidated Interim Storage Facility (CISF) would store 40,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel and GTCC waste in Andrews County, Texas, for 40 years or potentially forever.
  • The plan has been met with criticism from environmental groups and local communities, who argue that it is environmentally unjust and poses significant health and safety risks.
  • The region is prone to natural disasters, including earthquakes, sinkholes, and wildfires, which could exacerbate the risks associated with storing radioactive waste.
  • The draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) has been criticized for underestimating the risks associated with the proposal, including the potential for leaks, sabotage, or transportation accidents.
  • The plan would target a largely Latinx region, which has been disproportionately affected by environmental injustices and is already struggling with significant socioeconomic challenges.
  • The NRC has been accused of ignoring key health and safety issues raised in thousands of previous comments and 100 legal contentions, many of which were backed by expert testimony.
  • The plan would not include a hot cell, which is necessary for handling and repackaging radioactive waste from cracked or leaking canisters, and would not address potential threats from terrorism or drones.
  • The DEIS also fails to adequately analyze cumulative impacts, including the potential for contamination of land and aquifers, and the socioeconomic risks associated with the proposal.

Statistics:

  • 40,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel and GTCC waste would be stored in Andrews County, Texas, under the proposed plan.
  • 1370 latent cancer fatalities could result from a rail accident with spent nuclear fuel, with costs of $145 - $270 billion for a severe accident (Radioactive Waste Management Associates).
  • $2 billion was spent to remediate a fire and subsequent radiation release at the nearby WIPP site.
  • 42 square miles of land could be permanently contaminated in the event of a single small accident (State of Nevada Yucca Mountain studies).
  • Thousands of previous comments and 100 legal contentions have raised health and safety concerns, many of which were backed by expert testimony.

Sources:

  • Email from Michael Jordan to WCS_CISFEIS Resource (July 13, 2020)
  • Federal Register Notice: 85FR27447
  • Comment Number: 2060
  • Mail Envelope Properties (5f0c3aba25f1d_c4d43f820325c528116269c)
  • Subject: [External_Sender] Halt the license for radioactive waste storage (July 13, 2020)
  • Created By: info@sg.actionnetwork.org

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