NM seeks tougher measures for dumping of nuclear waste
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — State officials on Tuesday released a draft permit that includes tougher provisions for the U.S. government to meet if it wants to continue dumping radioactive waste from decades of nuclear research and bomb-making in the New Mexico desert.
There is a 60-day period for the public to comment on the proposal. Watchdog groups have indicated their support for measures that include forcing the federal government to consider developing another waste repository in the U.S. and reporting annually on those efforts.
Top state officials have accused the U.S. of taking advantage of New Mexico over the decades. They are also concerned about the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in southeastern New Mexico having an unending lifespan.
State Sen. Jeff Steinborn, a Las Cruces Democrat who heads the Legislature’s radioactive and hazardous materials committee, said the permit proposed by the New Mexico Environment Department puts definition and meaning into the state’s agreement with the U.S. for operating the underground repository.
“I think there’s this mentality that New Mexico can just be the forever home for all the nation’s waste. It’s an exploitative mentality regarding our state,” he said. “And so it’s good to see our state setting boundaries.”
New Mexico wants to demand that federal officials produce a full accounting of materials still needing to be cleaned up and shipped to the repository from laboratories and defense-related sites around the country. The state also is putting Congress on notice that the permit would be revoked if lawmakers expand the type of waste accepted at WIPP.
Currently, the subterranean landfill carved out of an ancient salt formation is licensed to take waste generated by the nation’s nuclear weapons program that is contaminated with radioactive elements heavier than uranium. The drums and special boxes there are packed with lab coats, rubber gloves, tools and other contaminated debris.
The U.S. Energy Department said in a statement that it looks forward to participating in the comment period, which will be followed by negotiations with the Department of Energy and a public hearing.
Hancock said the state’s proposed conditions can be strengthened. For example, the Department of Energy could include timelines and milestones in the report on efforts to develop another repository and make that information available to the public.
The permit negotiations follow Congress’ approval last week of a defense bill that would clear the way for more money to be spent on making key plutonium components for the nation’s nuclear arsenal. The waste resulting from new production would require disposal.
Democratic members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation have supported expanding production at Los Alamos National Laboratory, the once-secret installation that helped with the development of the atomic bomb.