NRC chief’s opinion on blended radioactive waste could affect company’s plan for Utah project

NRC opinion could affect Utah firm nuke waste plan

SALT LAKE CITY — An opinion by the head of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission could delay a decision about whether blended radioactive waste can be buried in Utah, according to a newspaper report.

The Salt Lake Tribune reported Friday that NRC Chairman Greg Jaczko wants the commission to adopt rules before licensees are allowed to handle large amounts of blended low-level nuclear reactor waste from reactors around the country.

“Given that the staff has indicated there may be a safety concern with large quantities of this (blended) waste,” Jaczko said, “large-scale blending should not be performed by licensees or processors until this rule-making is completed.”

Handling blended waste the way Jaczko suggests would likely add years to a decision on whether EnergySolutions Inc. can bury blended waste in Utah. EnergySolutions is only licensed to dispose of Class A waste, considered the least hazardous. In blending, hotter Class B and C waste are mixed with Class A waste.

EnergySolutions spokesman Mark Walker noted the full commission has not made its decision on blended waste, which the company insists is safe.

“We respect the chairman’s view, but won’t know which direction the commission is taking until all five commissioners have voted,” he said in a statement. “In the meantime, we will ensure that any activities we undertake regarding blending are in full compliance with current NRC regulations and guidance.”

Jaczko’s memo citing staff studies and safety concerns has been a key topic at the fourth annual RadWaste Summit in Las Vegas.

Rusty Lundberg, director of the Utah Division of Radiation Control, applauded Jaczko’s reasoning, especially the emphasis on addressing health and safety questions.

“His uncertainty on large-scale blending in order to allow for more in-depth, technical analyses is very positive from our perspective,” Lundberg said.

Vanessa Pierce, executive director of the Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah, said Jaczko’s memo shows the NRC is listening to the concerns raised this year by her group, the state radiation board and others.

“It’s refreshing to see a more measured and cautious approach to the waste that might come here,” she said.

Information from: The Salt Lake Tribune, www.sltrib.com