ARCHIVE : Jan-Sep 2018 : International media articles

This section provides a collection of articles from news media around the world, offering a wider spectrum of opinion, but also showcasing the similarities of the reactions of people in different countries.  Click on the media outlet name to link to the original article.

Currently we only have the ability to source English-language articles. Please feel free to submit additional articles in any language to: editorial@gdfwatch.org.uk

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29 June 2018                                   North West Evening Mail (UK)

Sellafield tackles its biggest risk yet

The clean-up of the Magnox Swarf Storage Silo is one of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s (NDA) highest priority programmes.  The silo was constructed decades ago, without plans for how the waste would eventually be taken out.  The building is no longer suitable for long-term storage of nuclear waste.  The waste is being removed in preparation for disposal in the GDF.  Also covered by BBC Online.

29 June 2018                                   Bellona (Russia)

Russian environmentalists demand transparency from the country’s nuclear waste industry

Environmentally significant information about radioactive waste should never be secret, and concealing information about the disposition of this waste from those who live closest to it is unacceptable, said a joint statement from three Russian ecological non-profits.  The statement was issued last week by the group Radioactive Waste Safety, Greenpeace, and Bellona.

28 June 2018                                   Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists

Waste makes haste: How a campaign to speed up nuclear waste shipments shut down the WIPP long-term repository

Links to a pay-site academic article reviewing what happened and what caused the incident at WIPP in 2014.

28 June 2018                                   JAX News4 Florida (USA)

FPL parent loses bid for federal tax refund

A US federal appeals court has ruled against NextEra Energy, the parent company of Florida Power & Light, in a tax dispute related to fees paid for the disposal of nuclear waste.  NextEra have been seeking a “sizeable” tax refund for fees it paid to the federal Nuclear Waste Fund for disposal of radioactive waste.  Also reported by Law360, Courthouse News, Law.Com, Florida Record

28 June 2018                                   Taiwan News

There should be no regrets about reforms: Taiwan President

In a wide ranging speech, Taiwanese President re-committed to ending civl nuclear power by 2025, while acknowledging obligation to safely dispose of radioactive waste.

28 June 2018                                   Business Korea

S. Korean Gov’t Focusing on Nuclear Power Decommissioning

Fears that South Korea’s focus on cleaning up its nuclear legacy will impact on ability of Korean companies to capture a slice of global commercial nuclear markets.

27 June 2018                                   KRWG Public Radio New Mexico (USA)

Peter Goodman comments on a proposal to store more nuclear waste in New Mexico

Short (3 min) item recognises need for a permanent radioactive waste disposal facility but concerned that proposed temporary stores will de facto become permanent stores — to paraphrase him, in our rush to do the right thing, we should not do a wrong thing.  [Commentary starts at around 2’15” into the podcast].

26 June 2018                                   International Atomic Energy Agency

Director General’s Statement at World Nuclear Exhibition

The IAEA’s Director General reports “good progress” globally on geological disposal facilities, saying:

“One of the reasons for public concern about nuclear power is the problem of nuclear waste.  Despite some perceptions to the contrary, the nuclear industry has been managing waste disposal successfully for more than half a century. Dozens of facilities for low-level and intermediate-level nuclear waste are in operation throughout the world.  As far as the long-term management of high-level radioactive waste and spent fuel is concerned, good progress has been made in recent years, here in France, as well as in Finland and Sweden. The first deep geological repository for spent nuclear fuel is likely to become operational in Finland early in the next decade.”

26 June 2018                                   Port Lincoln Times (Australia)

Facility will create jobs

The jobs and investment from the proposed low-level radioactive waste repository passed the “pub test” judging by the reaction to the news when announced to local pub regulars.

26 June 2018                                   Globes (Israel)

Bringing peace to the Middle East with nuclear reactors

Centralised security, and management and disposal of radioactive waste from nuclear plants across the Middle East is being touted by a US-based nuclear investment company, ACU Strategic Partners.

24 June 2018                                   Bobr Times (Ukraine)

IN THE CHERNOBYL ZONE BUILT STORAGE OF NUCLEAR FUEL

Short report on the two radioactive waste repositories being built in Chernobyl.

24 June 2018                                   Las Cruces Sun News (USA)

Plan would make state a dump site for nuclear waste

Continued concern that Holtec International’s proposed “temporary” radioactive waste storage facility has not been fully thought-through and may become more permanent than planned.  Column also published by KRWG National Public Radio

22 June 2018                                   International Atomic Energy Agency

IAEA Mission Says Bulgaria Committed to Safe Management of Radioactive Waste, Sees Areas for Further Enhancement

Following an independent peer review, Bulgaria advised to make necessary financial provision for a geological disposal programme.

22June 2018                                     Dutch News

Scrap metal dealers arrested for passing on radioactive metal waste

Authorities say no immediate risk to public, as they intercept rocks from a dismantled ship’s ballast which are radioactive.

21 June 2018                                    Taipei Times (Taiwan)

Groups call to halt nuclear waste facility plan

Local residents are urging the Atomic Energy Council to revoke a construction permit it issued to Taiwan Power Co (Taipower) to build a radioactive waste dry storage facility in New Taipei City, following a Supreme Administrative Court ruling that the construction project does not meet environmental regulations.  Residents are concerned that the company might not have the appropriate technologies and personnel for radioactive waste management to ensure their safety.

21 June 2018                                    Post Register (USA)

Investigation continues into barrel rupture cause

Update on the investigation into the incident at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in April.  Nobody was injured, and no radiation escaped.  It remains a mystery, as, according to people working that day, everyone followed procedure and there didn’t seem to be anything wrong with or different about the drums that ruptured.  The incident occurred as radioactive waste was being repackaged into new canisters.  The waste had originally been transported to Idaho in the 1950s and 1960s, and had been buried at the facility.  The barrels containing radioactive waste had been dug up as part of a cleanup programme at INL and preparation of the waste for final disposal at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

20 June 2018                                   World Nuclear News

Full-scale tests to start soon at Finnish repository

Finland says it will soon begin a full-scale final disposal test at the Onkalo GDF. The test is designed to demonstrate that the final disposal process will work as planned, a condition for obtaining an operating licence for the repository under construction.  Story also covered by NucNet Nuclear News Agency

20 June 2018                                   New Vision (Uganda)

Uganda’s 30,000 megawatts from Uranium by 2026

Opposition to Uganda’s planned nuclear programme concerned about long-term management of radioactive waste.

20 June 2018                                  Bloomberg News

Saudi Moves Forward With Plan to Turn Qatar Into Island

Saudi Arabia pressing ahead with its plans to build a canal, military base and radioactive waste facility along its border with Qatar.  Story also covered by Gulf Business News, Daily Telegraph, Mint Press News, Middle East Eye, Business Insider, Times of Malta

19 June 2018                                    Forbes magazine

Stop Letting Your Ridiculous Fears Of Nuclear Waste Kill The Planet

Time magazine’s “Hero of the Environment” Michael Shellenberger writes a very challenging article saying that nuclear waste is not the problem, it’s our search to solve a perceived problem that’s the problem.  Tackles anti-nuclear environmentalists head-on.

18 June 2018                                    The Australian

Race to lock in nuclear dump before federal election

Australian Government Minister says local referendum and government decision on siting of a low-level radioactive waste facility in South Australia expected by end of this year, before federal elections.

18 June 2018                                    Vermont Digger (USA)

New project could relieve pressure on Vermont Yankee

Assessment of how proposed temporary radioactive waste facility in West Texas may relieve need for radioactive waste to be stored in interim surface facilities at decommissioned Yankee nuclear plant.

18 June 2018                                    The Nation (Thailand)

Fukushima nuclear plants finally face decommissioning

Thai newspaper considers risks of effectively and safely managing radioactive waste as Fukushima is decommissioned.

18 June 2018                                    New Matilda (Australia)

Flooded Valleys And Burning Forests: The Global Face Of Renewable Energy

In a series of articles a pro-nuclear environmentalist argues that overblown and misplaced fears about radioactive waste and radiation distort understanding ecological impacts of renewable energy sources.

17 June 2018                                    Czech Radio

JAROMĚŘICE NAD ROKYTNOU VOTES AGAINST NUCLEAR WASTE STORAGE SITE

Community in Czech Republic votes against hosting a radioactive waste storage facility in a local referendum.

16 June 2018                                    Le Monde (France)

Bure: between 1,000 and 3,000 people demonstrate against the burial of nuclear waste

Reports that 100 “thugs” attacked police during an otherwise peaceful protest at Bure.

16 June 2018                                    Manila Bulletin (Philippines)

Ratification of int’l conventions needed in PH nuclear framework

The Philippines Senate Energy Committee Chairman Sherwin T. Gatchalian has said the country needs to ratify the Convention on Nuclear Safety, the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, and the Amendment to the Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material before it can construct its own national nuclear legislative and regulatory framework.

15 June 2018                                    USA Today

Riverkeeper blasts Indian Point re-use plan, pushes tax on spent nuclear fuel

New York environmental group says: “In effect, closed reactor sites become interim storage facilities and local communities should be compensated appropriately. A creative plan to tax the storage of spent nuclear fuel is one possibility the state should explore.”  This article is followed up by a separate op-ed in the local newspaper

e15 June 2018                                    Today Online (Singapore/Australia)

Remote Australian town wrestles with nuclear future  

Singapore media outlet reports on Australia’s search for a low-level radioactive waste repository.

15 June 2018                                    The Statesman (USA)

A&M System’s charge at Los Alamos includes improving safety culture

New contractor to run Los Alamos nuclear facility “thrilled” at chance to change the safety culture at the national nuclear laboratory.

15 June 2018                                    Invest in Manchester (UK)

What is the future of nuclear energy?

Article explaining work of Dalton Institute at Manchester University, and new collaboration between social scientists and nuclear scientists.

15 June 2018                                    Yonhap News Agency (Korea)

S. Korea’s retired reactor faces herculean decommissioning process

Feature article on complexities of decommissioning Korea’s nuclear power plants and permanently disposing of the radioactive waste safely.

14 June 2018                                    Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

Waste Isolation Pilot Plant: Volume tracking change could be delayed by NMED

Proposals to reclassify waste, which would increase capacity at WIPP, may be delayed if the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) opt for a slower and more detailed appraisal and approval process.  Story also covered by Albuquerque Journal

14 June 2018                                    Blackburn News (Canada)

Researcher Visits Bruce County To Study Nuclear Waste Facility Siting Process

A University of Buffalo researcher is looking at Bruce County’s participation in Canada’s search for a home for high-level radioactive waste.  Saying that the Nuclear Waste Management Organisation (NWMO) is taking a unique consent-based approach to finding a GDF site, the researcher wants to assess how consent will be measured and at how community members are engaged in the process, and if everyone has a voice.

14 June 2018                                    E&E News (USA)

Senate eyes floor action on energy-water bill, rescissions

US Senate may simply avoid mentioning funding for Yucca next week, by focusing on reducing budget deficits overall, in a complicated reconciliation process following last week’s approved budget by the House of Representatives.

14 June 2018                                    Barents Observer (Russia)

World Cup puts break on nuclear transport

Russia halts all transport of radioactive waste during the World Cup, on safety grounds, as part of a wider ban on shipments of any hazardous materials.

14 June 2018                                    ABC TV News (USA)

Work begins to boost airflow at US nuclear repository

As previously reported by GDFWatch, media now mentioning a new ventilation system that will clear the way for more radioactive waste to be disposed of at the US’s underground radioactive waste repository in southern New Mexico.  Story also covered by Japan Times, Business Insider, KUNM Radio New Mexico, Carlsbad Current-Argus, US News & World Report, KCBD-TV Carlsbad, Mining Technology, Los Alamos Daily Post

14 June 2018                                    Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Nuclear site selection process questioned

A Western Australia politician has described the federal government’s search for a site to dispose of radioactive waste in South Australia as a “sham”, because the government is not considering sites in his area.

13 June 2018                                    Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

Who is Holtec? International company touts experience in nuclear storage

Local paper profile sthe company seeking to build a temporary radioactive waste storage facility in New Mexico.

13 June 2018                                    Xinhua (China/Ukraine)

Ukraine to revive railway in Chernobyl zone

Reports that Ukrainian Government have approved US$35m to re-open the Chernobyl railway line, so that radioactive waste can be transported to the storage facility being built near to the infamous reactor.

12 June 2018                                    Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)

Las Vegas officials vote against reviving Yucca Mountain

It would have been real news if they hadn’t, but the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority’s Board members unanimously approved a resolution opposing the revival of federal funding for the proposed nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain.

12 June 2018                                    Ghana News Agency

Nuclear Energy is safer than others – Rosatom

In interview with local media to promote nuclear energy, Rosatom’s President Dmitry Shornikov said that misconceptions regarding nuclear waste management are perhaps the most deep-seated in the human mind, that the nuclear industry was the only industry to take full responsibility for the waste it produced, it produced less waste than other energy sources.

12 June 2018                                    Reuters

Sweden nuclear waste firm revamping storage plan, sees decision by mid-2020

Reuters confirms GDFWatch story that SKB have been requested to submit further information to the Swedish Government by January 2019.  Government decision on next steps in the GDF process now expected in 2020.

12 June 2018                                    The Verge

Our nuclear legacy is also our nuclear future

Interesting interview with author Fred Pearce about his new book exploring the global issues of radioactive waste.  Book reviewed (below) in The Economist.

11 June 2018                                     Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)

Nevada wants recusal from NRC member on Yucca Mountain decisions

Nevada has filed a request with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) that newly-appointed Commissioner David Wright recuse himself from any federal decision on Yucca Mountain, citing his past advocacy and public comments critical of local opposition to the controversial project.  Also covered by E&E News

11 June 2018                                     Taipei Times (Taiwan)

INTERVIEW: Academia Sinica president plans for low-carbon future

In discussing Taiwan’s need to migrate to more diverse and low-carbon energy sources, recognition that managing radioactive waste is one of the issues that mean the migration will not be quick.

11 June 2018                                     KRQE News (USA)

Bernalillo County Commission to discuss transportation of radioactive waste

Following Albuquerque and Jal City Councils’ decisions to ban train transportation of radioactive waste to Holtec International’s proposed temporary waste facility, another local municipality weighs the options.

11 June 2018                                     Daily Star (Bangladesh)

Proactive judiciary is needed to deliver environmental justice

An interview with a Professor of Environmental Law who says that while Bangladesh has signed up to many international treaties it often lacks resources and technical skills to implement them.  He’s less concerned about new nuclear power plants, as these are being built and monitored by the IAEA and Russian experts, but is concerned that Bangladesh needs to build expertise in managing radioactive waste.

10 June 2018                                    KMVT CBS News 11 (USA)

Magic Valley leaders and residents say “No” to stranded nuclear waste

Local concerns in Twin Falls Idaho that a shipment of radioactive waste to the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) will not be processed and sent for permanent disposal within a year as contractually agreed — raising fears that the INL will become a de facto radioactive waste facility in the absence of a geological repository. They are supported by an ex-Idaho Governor in an Idaho Statesman editorial.

8 June 2018                                      San Francisco Chronicle

House passes $145B spending package

The US House of Representatives has approved US$267m to revive the mothballed radioactive waste facility at Yucca Mountain.  Supporters say the site would help solve a nuclear-waste storage problem that has festered for more than three decades.  Leading the effort, Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois said: “To gain the public’s confidence in nuclear energy, we must have a functioning nuclear waste management programme.  It is time to move forward and finish the project.”  The Bill now goes to the US Senate for reconciliation, and where there is stronger opposition led by Nevada Senators to the funding of Yucca.  The story also covered by India’s Economic Times, nationally in US by Energy News, Siouxland Proud, WKBN Ohio, Seattle Times, Arkansas Online, and locally by Nevada Independent, KTVN News2

8 June 2018                                      International Atomic Energy Agency

IAEA Completes Nuclear Security Advisory Mission in Switzerland

Switzerland requests an independent peer review of its nuclear safety regime, and gets positive report.

8 June 2018                                      ABC TV News (USA)

New $2.5B contract awarded to manage nuclear weapons lab

Management of Las Alamos National Laboratory has been awarded to a new consortia, following a series of safety lapses, including one major packaging failure which led to the closure of WIPP in 2014.  The National Nuclear Security Administration’s tender required any would-be contractors to foster a “security conscious culture,” something watchdog groups have said has been missing at the lab.  The winning consortia, National Security LLC comprises Ohio-based Battelle Memorial Institute, Texas A&M University and the University of California.  They are expected to take over management of the site later this year.  The contract is estimated to be worth US$2.5bn a year, though there are still concerns that the University of California, a member of the previous discredited management consortia, is still involved in running Los Alamos.  Story also covered internationally by Japan Times, Mail Online, and in the US by San Francisco Chronicle, Defense News, The Saratogian, WFMZ Allentown, News 1130, Albuquerque Journal

8 June 2018                                      North West Mail (UK)

Sellafield to store nuclear waste on site for up to 100 years

Sellafield seeking planning permission to extend its interim surface radioactive waste stores pending a permanent geological disposal facility.  Also covered by Whitehaven News, Times & Star

7 June 2018                                      Nevada Appeal (USA)

Congress could fund Yucca restart next year

Head of Nevada’s Nuclear Projects Office says he doesn’t expect US Congress to approve funding to re-start licensing of Yucca Mountain this year, but there’s a 90 percent chance of funding to move forward with licensing the facility next year.

7 June 2014                                      Northern Ontario Business (Canada)

Ignace puts plan in place to woo business, investment

Community in running to host a GDF wants to diversify its economic base.  Local official says: “the community has been open-minded enough to educate themselves in weighing the pros and cons of the perceived safety and environmental risks versus the magnitude of a development that could transform the community for generations and decades to come.”

7 June 2018                                      The Economist

Secrets and lies of the nuclear age

Review of a book by Fred Pearce examining the historic culture of nuclear secrecy, noting that now “most civilian nuclear activities are safe”, and that in democracies the public has the power of veto.

7 June 2018                                      New Jersey.Com (USA)

‘The Long Goodbye’ haunts old N.J. nuke plant | Editorial

Bipartisan inertia over successive Administrations blamed for the failure by the federal government to relieve states from the responsibility of storing radioactive waste.

7 June 2018                                      Daily Star (Bangladesh)

Productivity before People

Article critical of Bangladeshi Government’s drive towards nuclear, questioning whether Bangladesh has the skilled workers and safety cultures required to operate nuclear facilities and manage radioactive waste.

7 June 2018                                      Utah Public Radio (USA)

Waste Storage, Not Nuclear Disastor, Is The Real Risk of Nuclear Power, USU Lecturer Says

According to a nuclear expert at Utah State University every source of energy that we choose to use has a cost to our environment.  And when it comes to nuclear power people often focus on the risk of a nuclear disaster, rather than the management of the waste.

7 June 2018                                      World Nuclear News

WIPP returns to routine operations

Following a precautionary shutdown after the discovery of a misaligned radioactive waste package on 24 May, underground operations have been fully restored.  There were no injuries or radiological release.  Story also covered nationally by ABC News, San Francisco Chronicle, Phys.Org, and locally by Albuquerque Journal, Los Alamos Monitor

7 June 2018                                      The State (USA)

Judge’s ruling keeps over-budget nuclear project from being shut down

US Government plans to cease building a MOX facility and instead send the plutonium for disposal at WIPP have been halted following a legal challenge by South Carolina state which is concerned about the local social and economic impacts if construction ends.  Also reported by the Albuquerque Journal

6 June 2018                                      Vietnam Express

Time to scrap scrap imports: Vietnam minister

After China stopped accepting scrap waste from other countries, Vietnam became a destination.  However there are now concerns in Vietnam that it is not equipped to deal with the scale of waste arriving.  One lawmaker said the amount of scrap that Vietnam imports was way too high and risks “turning the country into a landfill of industrial and radioactive waste.”  This story subsequently picked up by Nikkei Asian Review in Japan.

6 June 2018                                      The Baltic Course (Lithuania)

Future CEO of Ignalina NPP: Nukem will not be able to vie for new orders

Interview with new boss of Lithuania’s nuclear power plant, in which he says building a waste repository is one of his top two priorities.  Claims he wants to be “transparent”, and indicates Russian or Russian-controlled companies will not be able to bid for contracts, citing national security concerns.

6 June 2018                                      Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Kimba prepares for first Health and Wellness Weekend

Kimba Mental Health and Wellness Group have partnered with Kimba Health and Fitness Centre to put on the community’s first ever Kimba Health and Wellness Weekend, partly funded by the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility Community Benefit Programme.

5 June 2018                                      Vermont Digger (USA)

Welch backs controversial nuclear waste bill

Local US Congress Representative explains why he supported recent vote to fund Yucca Mountain project, and a parallel programme to authorise Energy Department to assess temporary radioactive waste facilities pending a final repository being designated.

5 June 2018                                      Sputnik News (Russia)

Russian Universities’ Create Solutions for Generating Income From Waste

Article reviewing range of research being conducted to recycle and extract value from all kinds of waste, including radioactive waste.

5 June 2018                                      Albuquerque Journal (USA)

Editorial: Wasting billions in federal tax dollars just the pits

Highlights the billions of dollars already spent on radioactive waste and spent fuel facilities, but no permanent solutions found, and the meter continues to run in terms of spending the taxpayer’s money. Concerned that New Mexico taking on more responsibility for managing the waste than originally planned, while other states concerned about closure of facilities that would reduce need for waste to be transported to and stored in New Mexico.

4 June 2018                                      KRQE News New Mexico (USA)

Jal OKs resolution against interim nuclear storage plan

After Albuquerque city council voted against allowing radioactive waste to be transported through the city en route to a proposed new temporary waste facility, the city council of Jal also opposes the planned facility.

4 June 2018                                      EuroNews

Nuclear inspection: 3D scanner for easier checks at underground site

Article on new technology being used to help Finland build its GDF more safely.

4 June 2018                                      Albany Times Union (USA)

Radioactive waste storage plan eyed for Niskayuna research cleanup

US Department of Energy seeks permission to keep high-level radioactive waste on decommissioned New York site because of backlog of waste transports to WIPP.  Also covered by All Over Albany

4 June 2018                                      Oil Price.Com

The Nuclear Reactor That Makes Its Own Fuel

Further story on a Bill Gates-backed company developing a new type of nuclear reactor which only produces 1/5th the radioactive waste of conventional nuclear reactors.

4 June 2018                                      The Ecologist (UK)

Fracking company injunction against protest ‘will limit human rights’

High Court legal dispute between campaigners and the fracking industry.  Potential implications for managing anticipated protests against any proposed GDF site.

4 June 2018                                      USA Today

Congress works to revive long-delayed plan to store nuclear waste in Yucca Mountain

Review of US political debate which echoes GDFWatch’s own prior analysis of US Congressional discussions and activity on disposal of radioactive waste.  Suggests that House of Representatives have created opportunity for striking a compromise with the Senate by opening door to funding a programme for temporary storage facilities pending further decisions on Yucca Mountain or another site for a geological repository.

3 June 2018                                       MidNorth Monitor (Canada)

Candidates vie for votes in Espanola

Disposal of radioactive waste an issue raised and discussed at an all-candidate public election debate.

2 June 2018                                       Nevada Independent (USA)

Indy DC Download: House to take up bill on Yucca spending and GOP House leaders look to appease pro-immigration Republicans

Following the short Memorial Day recess, members of Congress return, with the House of Representatives set to take up a bill that funds the Department of Energy and proposals to revive the project to build a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain.  A Nevada representative has retabled ‘blocking’ amendments which were rejected by a House legislative subcommittee.  Also covered by Las Vegas Review-Journal

1 June 2018                                       Politics Home (UK)

WNTI celebrates 20 years of safe nuclear transport

The World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI) is celebrating its 20th anniversary of supporting safe and secure nuclear transport around the globe.

1 June 2018                                       Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)

Appeals court throws out lawsuit over Nevada’s Yucca Mountain

A US federal appeals court has dismissed a lawsuit by the state of Texas that sought to force a licensing decision on the proposed nuclear waste storage project at Yucca Mountain, citing procedural problems with the action.  Texas had been arguing that the federal government had ignored a 2012 deadline to complete the geological repository licensing process, in attempt to speed up the removal of radioactive waste held in interim surface storage facilities in their state.  Story also covered by ABC KOLO News 8, Nevada Appeal, US Energy News, Legal Newsline. Nevada Senator Dean Heller’s response also reported by Ripon Advance

1 June 2018                                       New Age (Bangladesh)

Bangladesh govt needs to make public nuclear power safety plans

Concerns that Government have not explained how the radioactive waste from Bangladesh’s nuclear new build programme will be stored and disposed of.

31 May May 2018                            Bellona (Norway/Russia)

In a drill, fake terrorists take over Arctic radioactive waste storage site

Russia conducts exercise to test their security plans for protecting radioactive waste storage sites.

29 May 2018                                     Nevada Independent (USA)

Concerns about government bullying and safety were the top reasons for those opposing the House Yucca bill

Interviews with the small number of US Representatives who voted against further funding of Yucca to find out why they did not side with the vast majority.   Fears that federal could impose a solution on any other state, and concerns about safety of transporting radioactive waste were key reasons.

29 May 2018                                     New Mexico Political Report

New Mexico to decide this week on WIPP permit changes

New Mexico expected to decide on 1 June whether to approve a request from the Department of Energy to change the way in which radioactive waste is defined, that would allow an increase in the capacity at the WIPP geological repository.

29 May 2018                                      Green Tech Media (USA)

Election Preview: Energy and Climate Races to Watch in 2018

One hour podcast discussing how energy issues will affect the midterm elections and the shape of Congress.  Asks the question: Could the outcome of Nevada’s Senate race affect how the nation deals with nuclear waste?

29 May 2018                                      The Conversation

Long article recording the history of nuclear in Nevada and explaining the reasons behind conflicting local public opinion.  This article was subsequently reprinted in US News & World Report, This is Reno, GOOD magazine, ECOWatch, High Country News

28 May 2018                                     Northumberland News (Canada)

Northumberland’s Kim Rudd pushes for clean energy while in Scandinavia

Canadian Minister visits Finland’s GDF while on a tour of Scandinavian countries, as part of Canada’s preparation for hosting the G7 summit, the 10th Clean Energy Ministerial and the fourth Mission Innovation Ministerial summits, all of which Canada hosts in 2019.

28 May 2018                                     Albuquerque Journal (USA)

Council opposed to shipping radioactive waste through city

Albuquerque city councillors vote 4-3 to oppose transportation of radioactive waste through the city to the proposed temporary storage facility currently under consultation.  Story also covered by KRQE News 13, US News & World Report.

28 May 2018                                     The Atlantic

The 60-Year Downfall of Nuclear Power in the U.S. Has Left a Huge Mess

Lengthy feature article reviewing the history of nuclear power, decommissioning of those sites, and the disposal of radioactive waste. Article says: “There is general agreement that the only way to keep high-level waste safe is by turning the liquids into solids and then burying it all deep underground, somewhere where neither water nor seismic activity is likely to bring the radioactivity to the surface, and where nobody is likely to stumble on it unexpectedly.  Before it can be buried, most high-level waste needs to be stored for up to a century while it cools. Unfortunately, this has encouraged countries to put off making plans. None of the world’s high-level waste currently has any permanent resting place. The planet is instead peppered with interim stores. America is no better. Its 90,000 metric tons of high-level waste—set to rise to as much as 140,000 tonnes by the time the last power plant closes—is mostly sitting in ponds at dozens of power stations.”

28 May 2018                                     WebWire (Canada)

Explore Our Possibilities & Celebrate Our Success – The Township of Ignace is on the Threshold of Transformation

One of the communities being considered to host Canada’s GDF is launching its Community Investment Readiness and Capacity Building Master Plan.  Also covered by Northern Ontario Business

26 May 2018                                     Nevada Independent (USA)

Indy DC Download: The delegation backs military bills ahead of Memorial Day

Nevada’s congressional representatives back the annual National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA) which contains an amendment to require the defence and energy secretaries to submit a report to congressional defence committees “on the impact that building a national nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain might have on defence and energy operations at the Nevada Test and Training Range, the Nevada National Security Site, any other defence facilities in proximity to the project or proposed nuclear waste transportation routes.”

25 May 2018                                     KRQE News 13 (USA)

Emergency status lifted at NM nuclear waste repository

The nuclear waste repository at WIPP was evacuated after workers noticed a waste drum was misaligned.  Following an emergency investigation, no other drums were found out of place, no radiation was released, and operations resumed after three hours.  Officials said that after the 2014 incident at WIPP they now take a very conservative approach to worker safety.  The event was also reported locally by Carlsbad Current-Argus, Albuquerque Journal, CBS News Channel 1o, KANW-FM, My San Antonio, and as far afield as the Minneapolis Star Tribune, ABC News, US News & World Report, WDTN News 2, Fox News Australia, NBC News 6 Corpus Christi, Pierce County Tribune, New Mexico Political Report, WPXI News

25 May 2018                                     Gulf News (UAE)

UAE and Chinese nuclear regulators sign MoU

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with China’s Nuclear Safety Administration (NNSA) on the cooperation and exchange of information in nuclear safety regulations.  Also covered by Abu Dhabi City Guide

24 May 2018                                     San Clemente Times (USA)

Public comment period for nuclear waste cask strengthening ends June 5

Citizens’ Oversight Projects (COP), a watchdog group actively checking the policies and procedures of decommissioning and storage of spent nuclear fuel at San Onofre nuclear power station has a petition currently being considered by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) that would require more safety measures for the casks stored at the offline power plant.  COP Executive Director Ray Lutz said:  “Basically, it’s not asking them to swap them out of the casks.  What we’re trying to get them to do is think about the long-term and plan ahead, and upgrade the canisters with an additional wall.

24 May 2018                                     Uganda Radio Network

Mukono Residents Petition Gov’t Over Nuclear Waste Plant

More than 200 local residents have petitioned the government over the proposed construction of a nuclear waste site in their community, demanding the relocation of the facility.

24 May 2018                                     New York Times

Awash in Radioactive Waste

Thoughtful, powerful and informative opinion article on Yucca Mountain and the case for geological disposal of radioactive waste.

24 May 2018                                     Gulf News (UAE)

UAE presents report on radioactive waste management

Reports the UAE’s submission to and participation in the 6th review meeting of the joint convention on the safety of nuclear fuel and radioactive active waste management in Vienna.  Story also covered by Gulf Today

24 May 2018                                     New Mexico Political Report

With no permanent repository for commercial nuclear waste, NM is in the spotlight

Extended article analysing the local political, business and public debate surrounding Holtec International’s proposed temporary radioactive waste facility in New Mexico.

24 May 2018                                     ACT Media (Romania)

Nuclear waste: Commission urges 20 Member State to correctly transpose EU rules

Updating the earlier reports about Austria, Croatia, Italy and Ireland entering European Commission infraction proceedings, it now appear that most member states have been written to by the Commission for failing to adequately implement the Radioactive Waste Directive.

23 May 2018                                     US News & World Report

Nuclear Waste Storage Project in New Mexico Draws Criticism

Holtec International may have local political and business, as well as Congressional, support but dozens of people have expressed their concerns at a series of public consultation events in New Mexico.  Environmental and public health risks, safe transportation of radioactive waste, and fears that the temporary facilities may become permanent amongst the key issues raised.  The public reaction at the events also covered by the Santa Fe New Mexican, Albuquerque Journal, NBC News 11 KCBD, Hastings Tribune, KUNM.  However, having heard the evidence the Albuquerque Journal publishes a strong editorial in favour of the project.  The same editorial carried in the Carlsbad Current-Argus.

23 May 2018                                     Roll Call (USA)

Senate Energy-Water Rejects Research Cuts Sought by White House

As part of a wider spending package, the US Senate Energy-Water Appropriations Subcommittee has proposed, in place of funding to restart the process of licensing Nevada’s Yucca Mountain, to dedicate an as yet undetermined amount for a pilot interim storage facility.  The US House of Representatives recently allocated $268m for Yucca.  The different approaches will now be discussed in a conference committee which reconciles differences between House and Senate proposals.  Story also covered by Las Vegas Review Journal, Washington Examiner

23 May 2018                                     Daily Star (Lebanon)

Environment Ministry looks into radioactive waste reports

Government taking steps to allay public concern and to ensure there are no environmental or public health risks following unverified reports of illicitly buried radioactive material.  Such accusations have been made before. Lebanon has long been an importer of radioactive materials for use in everything from health care to industrial production and agriculture.  With financial support, via the IAEA, from Germany, France, USA and Canada, the Lebanese Government had been hoping to declare the country free of radioactive waste by May 2018.

23 May 2018                                     CBS TV News (USA)

Tons Of Nuclear Waste Outside Sacramento May Finally Be Removed

Local CBS affiliate TV news item summarises the issues, debate, implications and complexities of the US House of Representatives’ Nuclear waste Bill and the Yucca Mountain project.

23 May 2018                                     Prague Daily Monitor (Czech Republic)

Activists succeed with complaint against nuclear waste storage

Court rules that correct procedure not followed in assessing environmental impacts of storing radioactive waste at the Temelin nuclear plant.  Authorities instructed to conduct process again.

22 May 2018                                     CTV News (Canada)

NDP only party opposed to building a nuclear waste bunker near Lake Huron

With local elections pending in Ontario, one of the 3 main parties contesting the vote has said it will intervene amid concerns about the proposed low-level waste geological repository being sited so close to the Great Lakes basin, referencing worries on both sides of the US-Canadian border around the Lakes.  Story also covered by Toronto City News, National Post, GlobalNews, Sudbury Star

21 May 2018                                     Live Science

Why Radioactive Waste Is Being Melted into Glass

In what is claimed as a world first, the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) are turning liquid radioactive waste into glass to make the waste safer for permanent geological disposal.  Turning the liquid waste into a solid form immobilises the radioactivity.  The process will help treat and dispose of the 56 million gallons (211 million litres) of chemical and radioactive waste stored in underground tanks at the Hanford nuclear waste after 40 years of plutonium production.  Development also covered in UK by the Daily Express.

21 May 2018                                     Las Vegas Sun (USA)

Nuclear waste in Nevada? Not on my watch

In a ‘why vote for me’ column, incumbent US Senator Dean Heller, who faces a tough re-election fight, focuses solely on his efforts to block the Yucca Mountain.

21 May 2018                                     IAEA

Iran wants to join the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management — mention in opening remarks by IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano to the 6th Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management in Vienna.

21 May 2018                                    Public News Service (USA)

Two Public Hearings in NM This Week on Nuclear Fuel Repository

New Mexico residents will have two chances this week to tell the Nuclear Regulatory Commission what they think of a proposed underground nuclear storage facility, as the public consultation on Holtec’s plans continue.

21 May 2018                                    Express Tribune (Pakistan)

K-P health facilities told to set up waste management systems

Management of radioactive waste at hospitals in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) province is included within new rules issued to the local health sector.  Story also covered by Dawn

19 May 2018                                    CBS News 8 Las Vegas (USA)

Mary Beth Sewald: Las Vegas Metro Chamber of Commerce

Local TV interview with Head of Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce speaking ahead of planned Chamber visit to lobby in Washington DC.  Opposition to Yucca Mountain is lead item in discussion.

18 May 2018                                    Roswell Daily Record (USA)

More public comment allowed on proposed nuclear waste site

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has scheduled additional public meetings in New Mexico regarding Holtec International’s proposal to build a facility to store radioactive waste.

18 May 2018                                    Green News (Ireland)

EU takes action against Ireland over range of environmental issues

The European Commission has taken initial steps against Ireland for failure to adopt a national programme for the management of radioactive waste, and failing to transpose a new EU Directive on Nuclear safety standards before the February 2018 deadline.

18 May 2018                                    Buffalo News (USA)

West Valley remains safe for nuclear waste

A local geologist claims research conducted by the New York State Geological Survey during the 1960s reveals that the locally-disputed West Valley site is safe in geological terms.

18 May 2018                                    Manila Times (Philippines)

PH nuclear legal framework ‘insufficient’

Chairman of the Philippines’ Senate Committee on Energy, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, says the country is yet to learn from more advanced nations, including safe management of nuclear wastes.  Also reported in the local Business Mirror, Politiko

18 May 2018                                    Chicago Evening Post (USA)

2018 RadWaste Summit to Explore The Path Forward for Safety, Security and Storage of Radioactive Waste

Major conference being held in Nevada 4-6 September this year.  Would appear to be a privately-run conference seeking paying delegates.

18 May 2018                                     The Economist

Why the Supreme Court changed America’s betting rules

A previous US Supreme Court ruling on radioactive waste underpinned this week’s decision to allow States the freedom to set their own gambling laws.  Story also covered by Forward magazine

17 May 2018                                     Nevada Appeal (USA)

Open letter to Rep Mark Amodei

Resident of Nevada complaining that Amodei does not represent local opinion and interests by voting against Yucca Mountain.  Wishes he and other opponents of Yucca would get it in their heads that it wouldn’t be a “dump site”, and that Nevada is failing itself and the nation by not considering further.

17 May 2018                                     Government Europa

EU refers states to court over spent fuel and radioactive waste breaches

Reports the European Commission’s referral of Austria, Croatia and Italy to European Court of Justice (ECJ) for failing to provide finalised radioactive waste management plans.  Story also covered by Budapest Business Journal

17 May 2018                                     Atlanta Courthouse News Service (USA)

Nuclear-Waste Tax Case Battled at 11th Circuit

Florida nuclear power company Nextera seeking to claim US$100m tax refund by arguing that radioactive waste storage and disposal costs are tax deductible.

17 May 2018                                     World Nuclear News

Progress for WIPP infrastructure upgrade

US Department of Energy approves a new US$288m ventilation system for WIPP.  The increased ventilation will allow waste emplacement activities to be performed at the same time as mining and maintenance operations, and will also allow for easier filter replacement and other safety and maintenance activities.  The system was recommended following the underground ruptured package incident in 2014.

17 May 2018                                     Portsmouth Daily Times (USA)

Vote on Piketon waste facility challenged

Local opposition to the plan to store radioactive waste indefinitely on the site of the old Piketon nuclear facility in Ohio.

17 May 2018                                      Kuwait News Agency

IAEA to host meeting on radioactive waste management

Notes that the Sixth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management will take place at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Vienna headquarters from 21 May to 1 June.  The Joint Convention seeks to achieve and maintain a high level of worldwide safety in spent fuel and radioactive waste management, with member countries required to deliver national reports on their implementation of the convention’s obligations that are discussed as part of a peer-review process held every three years.  Topics on the agenda of two-week meeting include recent developments and challenges in the safe management of disused sealed radioactive sources, as well as general safety issues, challenges and public acceptance aspects of storage and disposal of higher-level radioactive waste.

17 May 2018                                     Santa Fe New Mexican (USA)

Legislative committee to hear plans for nuclear waste storage site

First story on Holtec International addressing the first meeting of the Interim Radioactive and Hazardous Materials Committee in New Mexico to discuss their planned temporary radioactive waste storage facility, as part of the lengthy regulatory and planning approvals process.  Second follow up story on what happened at the hearing.  Story also covered by the Albuquerque Journal, Carlsbad Current-Argus.

16 May 2018                                     The Gateway (Canada)

U of A develops new particle accelerator to supply medical isotopes

University of Alberta claim to have developed a way of creating isotopes for medical applications which create no radioactive waste.

16 May 2018                                     ANSA (Italy)

Italy reported to ECJ for smog: Three infraction proceedings opened

European Commission has reported Italy to the ECJ (European Court of Justice) for failure to comply with Directives on managing exhausted nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.

16 May 2018                                    NBC News 3 Las Vegas (USA)

Oregon Congressman hopes to fast-track Yucca Mountain

Nevada media outlet explain why congressman supports pressing ahead with Yucca Mountain project, mainly his fears of an environmental catastrophe if waste is stored on the surface rather than disposed of safely deep underground.

16 May 2018                                    Inside Ottawa Valley (Canada)

Arnprior reeve defends nuclear waste disposal site plan

Local community leader rejects concerns that Canada is not complying with international radioactive waste management standards.  While noting the waste facility plans require further detailed thought and scrutiny, he claimed the environmental groups and First Nations leaders who have raised concerns are just looking for headlines.

16 May 2018                                    Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute (Germany)

German nuclear waste disposal fund hires Clifford Chance

Germany’s €24bn nuclear waste disposal fund has appointed Clifford Chance to advise on the fund’s management.

15 May 2018                                    Nevada Appeal (USA)

Statewide candidates speak at Republican luncheon

Republican candidates for state-level elections would all prefer to find alternative uses for Yucca Mountain site and new ways to regenerate local economy.  One candidate says “Yucca” has become a toxic name and the site needs rebranding.

15 May 2018                                    World Nuclear News

NWMO broadens its international cooperation

Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organisation (NWMO) signed or renewed knowledge-sharing and cooperation agreements with counterparts from five countries: Belgium, France, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. The organisation has previously signed such agreements with nuclear waste management organisations in Finland, South Korea and Japan.

15 May 2018                                    St George & Sutherland Shire Leader (Australia)

South Australia visit for shire mayor and ANSTO chief

Mayor of town already hosting radioactive waste facility visits area where new low-level radioactive waste facility is planned, to speak to local people about living with radioactive waste in your community.

15 May 2018                                    Daily News-Miner (USA)

Nuclear power plant to be decommissioned

Temporary facilities to store radioactive waste on site at Alaska’s only nuclear plant will not provide the protection required, and the waste will have to be shipped from the site for either storage elsewhere or permanent disposal.  Also covered by Power magazine.

15 May 2018                                    GMA News (Philippines)

PNRI cites importance of nuclear waste disposal facility

The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) have said disposal of radioactive wastes must be addressed if the Philippines government decides to build nuclear power stations.  They want a licensed disposal facility built at the same time as any nuclear power plant, so that waste does not accumulate.

15 May 2018                                    Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Kimba’s free camping a money-maker

Despite being a potential site for a geological repository for low-level radioactive waste, Kimba is gaining a reputation as a “must stay location” for campers, giving the local economy a boost.  Success in part explained by the provision of free camping, with campers asked to make voluntary donations, and new campsite amenities being provided by the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility Community Benefit Programme.

15 May 2018                                    The Day (USA)

Revive Yucca Mountain plan and buy time with interim storage

Editorial from Connecticut newspaper, similar to that below from Arkansas, in support of geological disposal and progressing Yucca.

15 May 2018                                    Science Business (Romania)

How to build research infrastructures with regional funds

Report on a new advanced €300m research facility near Bucharest.  Research will include innovations in radioactive waste management.  Main concern expressed in article was difficulty that EU procurement rules created for building and sustaining such a research facility.

14 May 2018                                    Michigan Peninsula News (USA)

House approves nuclear waste amendment

Report on local congressional success in getting US House of Representatives to support a ban on geological repositories for radioactive waste on both sides of the border around the Great Lakes.

14 May 2018                                    Politifact (USA)

Rosen misleads on Heller Yucca Mountain vote

Democrat challenger to incumbent Dean Heller in November’s US Senate elections in Nevada accuses Heller of actually voting to fund Yucca Mountain, but her claims fact-checked and dismissed by leading US political magazine.

14 May 2018                                    Arkansas Online (USA)

Only a hole in the ground.  But it leaves the country in grave danger

Editorial in favour of geological disposal of radioactive waste and of the Yucca Mountain project.

14 May 2018                                    The Transcontinental (Australia)

Students immerse themselves at ANSTO

Schoolchildren from a community considering whether to host a low-level radioactive waste facility spend four days away finding out more about the work of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).

14 May 2018                                     ABC News 57 Michigan (USA)

Michiana’s world of nuclear energy from research to policy

Scientists in Michigan would prefer spent fuel was reprocessed, as they believe globally this would provide 5000 years of low-carbon power.  However US government concerned about the amount of weapons-grade plutonium this might produce.  Scientists recognise geological disposal as best disposal method, but note political not technical issues hampering progress to finding a site, saying:  “The problem is the planning horizon to do this is so long that you need some policy that would get you past those changing whims at it were of politicians, and policy where you just pick a path and go for it and get there as the French have done.”

13 May 2018                                    Carlsbad Current Argus (USA)

Underground testing: Robotics team prepares for competition at WIPP

WIPP allowed a local high-school to test their robots underground before the students competed in an international robotics competition.

13 May 2018                                    Ars Technica

Plan to make fuel from weapons-grade plutonium oxides dead on arrival

Reports that US Energy Department have decided not to progress with a MOX processing facility in South Carolina, because it is cheaper to permanently dispose of the material at WIPP.  Governor of South Carolina vows to fight the decision because of the lost jobs and investment.  Story also covered by local newspaper Charleston Post Courier.

13 May 2018                                    San Francisco Chronicle (USA)

Keating sees nuke waste bill making plant closing safer

Californian newspaper reports on a Massachusetts congressman saying that the House Bill will speed removal of radioactive waste from nuclear sites and will help make the decommissioning process safer. Story also covered in Sacramento Bee, and by North Carolina’s WRAL Channel 5.  Covered in Massachusetts by WWLP Channel 22 News

13 May 2018                                    Oxford Mail (UK)

Stanford in the Vale man convicted for failed £4m nuclear waste scam

A man who set up a company to find sites to dispose of radioactive waste has been convicted of a £4m tax fraud.

12 May 2018                                    Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

WIPP: Full air filtration mode a ‘conservative decision’ to protect environment, workers

Air filtration introduced after the rupture of a waste package in 2014 continues to be deployed to prevent radioactive particles from reaching the outside air, despite research that suggests it is not longer needed.  Filtration reduces the amount of work that can be done in the underground nuclear waste repository.  The Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Centre (CEMRC) says filtration no longer necessary because any air released by WIPP would be below federal standards for nuclear exhaust.  However WIPP management prefer to be conservative and cautious.

12 May 2018                                     SBS News (Australia)

Decision looms for SA town of Kimba divided over nuclear waste

Lengthy article and two minute video examining the local debate about hosting a low-level waste repository.  One resident in favour of the project said:  “To me, it’s a lot less scary than the chemicals and the petrol, diesel and everything else that comes through our road here. I think it’s far safer than my own farming industry, to be honest.”

12 May 2018                                    The Guardian (UK)

Campaigners slam £1m incentive to store nuclear waste

“The government’s offer in its consultation is simply not good enough. These communities are being asked to perform an important public service and should be properly recompensed.” Story also covered by Devdiscourse

12 May 2018                                    Tryon Daily Bulletin (USA)

The Foothills’ own Erin Brockovich on a mission

Profile of a 98-year old environmental activist still contesting the transportation of radioactive waste.

11 May 2018                                     Korea IT Times

Atomic Energy Research Institute leaks radioactive waste, where did they go?

South Korea’s Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) is investigating lost radioactive waste from the Atomic Energy Research Institute.  The whereabouts of gold, copper wire and lead waste that have been allegedly stolen and sold by former and current nuclear researchers is unknown. The waste is all considered low-level waste, but public safety concerns remain.    

11 May 2018                                     Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Anti-nuclear protests at SA Liberal HQ

Protest against state and federal Liberal support for a radioactive waste facility near Kimba.

10 May 2018                                    Bellona (Norway/Ukraine)

Ukraine prepares to handle its spent nuclear fuel independent of Moscow

The post-Soviet era contract with Russia to handle Ukraine’s radioactive waste ends this year.  Concerns that country is not prepared to handle the waste currently stored in Russia and will be sending back.  There are no plans for a geological disposal facility, and little political or public faith in the agencies responsible for managing the radioactive waste — these are seen as a Soviet legacy and too close to the nuclear industry.

10 May 2018                                    Time Magazine

Bill to Revive Nuclear Waste Dump at Nevada’s Yucca Mountain Passes the House

Global media outlet reviews not just the current Bill, but provides a recent political history  of the Yucca Mountain project.  Story also covered in a wide range of national, regional political and trade media, eg: NBC News, CBS News, ABC News, The Hill, Salt Lake Tribune, Miami Herald, Business Insider, Boston Globe, Santa Fe New Mexican, US News & World Report, Seattle Times, Utility Dive, The Columbian, New Jersey Herald, Newsmax, Roll Call, World Nuclear News, Mail Online, Kallanish Energy; and even as far afield as the New Zealand Herald, Norway’s Bellona, and India’s The Hindu

This story also covered by US local and regional media, commenting on the implications for radioactive waste stored currently at a nuclear site in their area, eg: Arkansas Online; California’s San Diego Union-Tribune, Sacramento Bee, San Clemente Times, CBS Sacramento, KPBS, The Press-Enterprise, Good Day Sacramento, Sierra Wave, San Francisco Gate; Connecticut’s The Day; DC’s Ripon Advance; Georgia’s Augusta Chronicle; Florida’s St Augustine Record; Illinois’ Chicago Tribune; Indiana’s WANE; Maine’s Press Herald; Massachussets’ Patriot Ledger, Mattapoisett Wicked Local, Cape News; Michigan’s Detroit News; Minnesota’s Star Tribune, Republican-Eagle, Mankato Free Press, Post Bulletin; Missouri’s St Louis Post-Dispatch; New Jersey’s Asbury Park Press, Press of Atlantic City; New Mexico’s Albuquerque Journal, Carlsbad Current-Argus; North Carolina’s Star News Online, Winston-Salem Journal; Ohio’s News-Herald; Oregon’s East Oregonian, KDVR ABC News12, Hood River News; Pennsylvania’s Go Erie, Sun Gazette, WPXI Pittsburgh; Tennessee’s Bristol Herald Courier; Texas’ Chron.Com, San Antonio Express-News; Washington’s Tri-City Herald, Daily Herald, NEWStalk; Utah’s St George News; Virginia’s Daily Progress; Wisconsin’s State Journal

Nevada media unsurprisingly unhappy with the vote, as noted in NBC News 3 Las Vegas, Reno Gazette Journal, Sparks Tribune, Mesquite Local News, Las Vegas Review-Journal, CBS Channel 8 Las Vegas, Nevada Independent, ABC Channel 13 Las Vegas, KLAS-TV, KOLO News8, KXL101 FM News, Fox5 Las Vegas.  One media outlet even provides a chronology of events at Yucca.

Republican Party issued a supportive statement after Bill passed.

9 May 2018                                      Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)

Nevada’s congressional group unites against Yucca Mountain bill

Only one of the Nevadan congressional delegation’s amendments to the Yucca Mountain funding Bill has been allowed.  This underlines Nevada’s isolation in the bipartisan proposed legislation.  The one amendment accepted would require consensus-based siting for permanent repositories.  The Nevadans believe this would “kill” Yucca Mountain since they do not believe there is sufficient local ‘consent’ other than the communities living closest to the site.  Story also covered by Roll Call, Hastings Tribune, KRQE New Mexico

9 May 2018                                      Detroit News (USA)

No nuclear waste near Great Lakes

Michigan representatives have tabled amendment to a Yucca Mountain funding Bill which would prohibit a geological repository near the Great Lakes, either side of the US-Canada border.  Also covered by Detroit Public TV

9 May 2018                                      Business Insider Australia

32 interesting and surprising measures announced in the 2018 federal budget

Aus$7.7 million to fund immediate and critical radioactive waste management projects (no detail given).

9 May 2018                                      Albuquerque Journal (USA)

Nuclear waste plan is too dangerous for NM

Guest column from activists concerned about the proposed Holtec temporary nuclear waste storage facility.

9 May 2018                                      Unearthed (UK)

Government says it could put nuclear waste site under national parks

Greenpeace magazine article reporting a Parliamentary Answer in which Government said it is not excluding a GDF being built under a protected area but that it should only be consented in such areas “in exceptional circumstances and where it would be in the public interest to do so.”  Story followed up by UK national newspaper Daily Mirror with a reactive comment from Green Party leader Caroline Lucas MP.

9 May 2018                                      The Transcontinental (Australia)

More jobs for nuclear waste facility

More jobs than anticipated at proposed Kimba site for a low-level radioactive waste repository, more than half for local people.

8 May 2018                                      Pro Publica (USA)

Two Leading Bidders for Lucrative Los Alamos Lab Contract Have Checkered Safety Records

Concern that contractors who were responsible for the waste package that ruptured underground at WIPP, forcing the US’ only geological repository for nuclear waste to close for 2 years, are now in the running to secure the contract they lost as a consequence of the WIPP incident and other health and safety violations.

8 May 2018                                      The Times (UK)

Sellafield: Nuclear waste dustbin is cleaning up its act

Emily Gosden of The Times visits Sellafield.

8 May 2018                                      KRQE New Mexico (USA)

WIPP protects infrastructure with metal palm trees

Report on special arrays that protect WIPP facility from lightning strikes.

8 May 2018                                      Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Plan to entomb nuclear reactor breaks promise to Manitobans, watchdog group says

Proposal to entomb radioactive waste on site of a decommissioned reactor because there is no available permanent geological disposal facility draws ire of local people.  Story also covered in the Winnipeg Sun, Yahoo! News

8 May 2018                                       Republican Eagle (USA)

Progress on spent nuclear fuel storage? Local officials say they hope so

Minnesota politicians to press their congressional delegation to support this week’s Bill that would fund next stage of Yucca Mountain assessment project.  Removing nuclear waste from interim surface storage facilities and sending it for permanent disposal a significant local issue.

However, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports Nevadan unhappiness that despite their opposition, the Bill likely to be approved.

8 May 2018                                       Casino City Times (USA)

Las Vegas sends a message to Congress

The American Gaming Association, and Las Vegas business community, have sent an open letter to Congress stating their opposition to Yucca Mountain project.  Story also covered by Las Vegas Sun

8 May 2018                                      Washington Examiner (USA)

GROUPS OPPOSE YUCCA MOUNTAIN BILL

More than 160 conservation, anti-nuclear and environmental groups sent a letter to the House, urging them to “oppose” the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2017.  The bill will begin the process of creating an interim storage site to move the nuclear waste being stored at power plant sites, while the Energy Department finishes licensing and building a permanent waste facility at Yucca Mountain in Nevada.  The groups say the bill’s plan is too risky for the environment and that Congress should instead scrap the plan in favour for more public discourse.

7 May 2018                                       Toledo Blade (USA)

Nuke closures have impacted local economies, changed community character

Reports on community discontent over prolonged interim surface storage of radioactive waste at decommissioned nuclear facilities because of the failure to provide a geological repository.

7 May 2018                                       Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Council innovation creating opportunity

The majority of media attention on South Australian councils has recently focused on the issue of rate capping and how that will inhibit local government’s ability to fund opportunities for projects of community significance.  Local Kimba Council seen as leading the way in finding innovative ways, by partnering with community groups, private sector and other tiers of government, to identify non-traditional ways in which services and infrastructure can be made financially sustainable propositions.  This includes the federal government’s $2-million Community Benefit Program, being rolled out as part of the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility site selection process.

7 May 2018                                       WITF Pennsylvania (USA)

Closing Three Mile Island nuclear plant won’t eliminate hazards

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission address local concerns about maintaining interim surface radioactive waste stores at the iconic facility.  Story also covered in York Daily Record

7 May 2018                                      The Hindu (India)

Spent fuel will be stored at KKNPP site itself: NPCIL

Environmentalists lodge new appeal against construction of a nuclear plant until a facility to dispose of nuclear waste is ready

7 May 2018                                      Washington Examiner (USA)

House proposes funding boost for nuclear weapons program, Yucca Mountain

US House of Representatives introduce new spending Bill, which includes funding for Yucca Mountain project.  Story also covered by National Post, US News & World Report, Chron, Mail Online, Kallinish Energy

6 May 2018                                      Las Vegas Sun (USA)

Sun readers write in droves: Say no to Yucca

The newspaper has an avowed anti-Yucca editorial position, and makes much of 100 letters written in protest at Yucca.  The paper also publishes a “package” of materials allowing readers to “sound off” against Yucca.

6 May 2018                                      Las Vegas Sun (USA)

Editorial: Recycling nuclear waste is not the win win it seems 

Anti-geological repository newspaper also criticises plan floated to build a recycling plant rather than a . repository at Yucca Mountain.

5 May 2018                                      Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)

Review-Journal earns 5 awards in Best of the West contest

Graphic illustrations of the Yucca Mountain site’s geology have won a prestigious media award.

5 May 2018                                      Post Register (USA)

Gov. candidates stances on INL issues contrast

Interviews with both Democrat and Republican candidates in the primaries for the Idaho Governor election, all supporting the Idaho National Laboratory nuclear waste reprocessing plant, but with different concerns about keeping radioactive waste on site for longer than originally agreed.  The Idaho State Journal also interviewed the candidates, and produced a similar but original review of those interviews.

4 May 2018                                      Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

Proposed nuclear storage site in southeast New Mexico accused of ‘nuclear colonialism’

Concerns of the Navajo Nation and other Native American groups that they are being ignored over potential sites for storing radioactive waste in New Mexico.

4 May 2018                                      Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)

House sets vote on Yucca Mountain bill for next Thursday

Bipartisan support expected in US House of Representatives to approve funding for the Yucca Mountain project.  Story also covered by the Washington Examiner, Nevada Independent, Roll Call, The Hill

4 May 2018                                      London Free Press (Canada)

The security of Ontario’s nuclear plants should be an election priority, not the salaries of top Hydro One execs

Comment on how the costs and issues of decommissioning nuclear plants and building a geological repository are more important than executive salaries.

4 May 2018                                      Las Vegas Sun (USA)

Nuclear panel chair: ‘I remain adamantly opposed’ to Yucca Mountain

Following a public hearing, the chairman of Nevada’s interim legislative Committee on High-Level Radioactive Waste says he’ll continue to support a 2017 legislative resolution stating opposition to the proposed national nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain.

4 May 2018                                      Futurism

We Now Have A Working Nuclear Reactor for Other Planets — But No Plan For Its Waste

Speculative article exploring how waste from nuclear reactors which could power human habitats on Mars might be disposed of locally.

4 May 2018                                      Washington Examiner (USA)

House to vote next week to move ahead with Yucca Mountain as nuclear waste dump

US House of Representatives to decide whether to approve funding for Yucca Mountain.  The bill would also direct the US Department of Energy to authorise an interim storage program before the Nuclear Regulatory Commission completes the licensing process for Yucca.

Bill sponsored by Commerce Committee Chairman Rep. Greg Walden who said: “Following last summer’s 49-4 vote out of the committee, bipartisan legislation to get our nation’s nuclear waste management policy back on track is heading to the House floor next week.  We owe it to the 121 communities across 39 states, as well as to every American taxpayer forced to shoulder the daily $2.2 million burden of inaction, to get this done.”

Story also covered by Las Vegas Review-Journal,

4 May 2018                                      Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Proposed Kimba nuclear waste facility to bring 45 jobs

Announcement received positively locally.

3 May 2018                                      Post Register (USA)

Five go head-to-head for GOP Lt. Gov. nomination

All five candidates for Idaho’s Lieutenant Governor praised Idaho National Laboratory’s work on nuclear energy and said they’d  help the next governor re-examine the 1995 Settlement Agreement governing radioactive waste cleanup, which is currently being consulted on by the US Department of Energy.

3 May 2018                                      SooToday (Canada)

Local Indigenous activist speaks at United Nations

Anishinaabe activist Candace Day Neveau, spoke out against Canada’s nuclear waste disposal policies at the United Nations in New York City.  She was there as part of a working group, consisting of representatives from the Anishinabek Nation and the Iroquois Caucus, arguing that science did not support geological disposal.  It is unclear which part of the UN the activists were meeting, since the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency advocates geological disposal as the scientifically best current solution.

3 May 2018                                      Newsmax (USA)

Sen. Heller Faces Political Fight With GOP Over Nuclear Waste Repository

Geological disposal at Yucca Mountain may play a key role in determining which Party controls the US Senate after the midterm elections in November.  Nevada Senator Heller is the only Republican senator running for reelection in the 2018 midterms in a state that 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton won.  Given the national Republican Party support for Yucca Mountain project, political analysts say he needs to separate himself from the Party platform to win his election.  Newsmax item based on an article in the US political magazine The Hill

3 May 2018                                     Green Left Weekly (Australia)

Opposition to Flinders Ranges nuclear dump grows

Environmental activist report on the process and community reaction to finding a site for a low-level radioactive waste facility.

2 May 2018                                     CPH Post (Denmark)

Confusion over storage of low-level radioactive material

Conflicting regulations stemming from two different government departments are causing problems for municipalities, as they receive different advice from different bodies.

2 May 2018                                     Scientific American

Bill Gates in Search of Nuclear Nirvana

A Bill gates company, TerraPower, seeking to build a safe, nearly waste-free nuclear reactor that won’t contribute to weapons proliferation or climate change

2 May 2018                                     Power Technology

Managing nuclear waste in France: the long and short game

Extensive article explaining the French approach to radioactive waste management and geological disposal, and drawing comparisons between the public and political debate between France and US.

1 May 2018                                      Albuquerque Journal (USA)

LANL welcomes new contractor

Following the rupture at WIPP of a radioactive waste package from the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), a new contractor, N3B, has been appointed to to take responsibility for the packaging of radioactive waste.  The contractor started work on 1 May.

1 May 2018                                      Power Magazine

The Nuclear Waste Impasse Can Only Be Resolved by the Public

Director of the US Nuclear Energy Foundation, Gary Duarte, argues that grass-roots education and mobilisation is the best way to counter vested commercial interests which are currently distorting the debate and the lobbying over Yucca Mountain.  Duarte notes that opposition to Yucca is driven by the casino owners and Nevadan politicians who receive their financial support, not by the wider public.

30 April 2018                                Los Alamos Monitor (USA)

Public airs concerns about proposed nuclear waste project near WIPP

Continued coverage of the open public meetings being held to discuss Holtec’s planned temporary radioactive waste storage proposal.  Opinion polarised.  Concern that without a current federal solution or alternative plans, the radioactive waste may be left in ‘temporary’ facilities indefinitely.  Events also covered by Roswell Daily Record, Santa Fe New Mexican, Washington Post, Las Cruces Sun News, US News & World Report, ABC News, Augusta Chronicle

30 April 2018                                Buffalo News (USA)

Another Voice: Sitewide removal is the only responsible choice at West Valley

West New York resident walks through the complex ethical, technical, risk-assessment and other issues related to disposal of radioactive waste.

29 April 2018                                Nevada Independent (USA)

On the Record: Democratic congressional candidate John Anzalone

Interview with electoral candidate, includes his opposition to Yucca.

29 April 2018                                Las Vegas Sun (USA)

Nevada needs Heller to just say no to Yucca Mountain

The newspaper’s editor-owner urges young people to pick up the fight against Yucca.  He’s worried that the historic united political opposition is breaking down as politicians representing the affected local communities now back the wishes of their constituents to be allowed to explore the options, as the local tourism industry becomes less vocal, and as Nevada’s congressional representatives lose clout on a project the US Congress wants to move forward on.

28 April 2018                                USA Today Network

Nuclear plant shutdowns a crisis for small towns across the USA

Lengthy article which highlights 2 key issues for communities across US facing closure of nuclear facilities: financial consequences of gaping holes in council budgets, depressed home values, and increased local taxes to make up for revenues which nuclear facilities provided; and pressurising federal government to compensate them for storing nuclear waste because of the failure to build a geological disposal facility.

27 April 2018                                Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)

Nevada pols should rethink opposition to Yucca Mountain

Local engineer objects to Nevadan politicians’ opposition to the Yucca Mountain project and the to the jobs and opportunities it will create.

27 April 2018                                Bellona (Norway)

It’s time to stop paying for the Halden Reactor’s operation and start paying for it’s decommissioning

Article critical of Norway’s radioactive waste management plans and the likely costs of decommissioning.

27 April 2018                                 Seminole Sentinel (USA)

Public Meeting on Proposed Lea Co. Interim Nuke Storage Site Slated for Tuesday

The US’ Nuclear Regulatory Commission continues its public hearings into Holtec’s proposed temporary radioactive waste facility.  Also covered in Electric Light & Power magazine

27 April 2018                                Daily Express (UK)

China ‘AT RISK’ of radioactive exposure after North Korea nuclear test site COLLAPSES

Chinese academics worried about radioactive waste management at North Korea’s nuclear facilities.

27 April 2018                                Pembroke Daily Observer (Canada)

CNL responds to Canadian Press story about First Nations and environmental groups warning that Canada is mishandling plans for nuclear waste

Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) responds to inaccuracies in media reporting and statements made by activists about low-level waste management and CNL’s plans.

27 April 2018                                 Orange County Register (USA)

Could ‘stranded nuclear waste’ on San Clemente’s border pump millions into San Diego coffers?

Local concern that a Bill passing through the US House of Representatives to compensate communities for continuing to store radioactive waste destined for geological disposal will incentivise keeping waste in interim surface stores and slow down the process for finding a permanent disposal repository site.

27 April 2018                                 Vice

This Artist’s Designs Aim to Keep Future Humans Away from Nuclear Waste

Article on the work done, at the request of Carl Sagan, by Jon Lomberg to come up with imagery that will last 10,00 years to warn people about the contents of the geological repository at WIPP in New Mexico.

27 April 2018                                 Las Vegas Sun (USA)

Analysis: Stirrings on Yucca Mountain bring out foes

Report on the public hearings being held by Nevada’s Interim Legislative Committee on High-Level Radioactive Waste to discuss Yucca Mountain project, saying that 40 people attended, split between pro and anti factions.  Newspaper only reports comments from those opposed to the project.

27 April 2018                                 Independent Newspapers (Ukraine)

Ukraine To Strengthen Radioactive Waste Management

In a speech to mark the 32nd anniversary of Chernobyl, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko recommitted his country to safe disposal and management of radioactive waste. Media reports claim  construction is underway for the central spent fuel storage facility — though this may refer to an interim surface storage facility rather than a GDF.  GDFWatch has asked Ukrainian autohrities for further information, but have not yet received a response.  Story also covered by Mena FN, UNIAN Economy, Xinhua, Kyiv Post, Ukrinform

26 April 2018                              Washington Times (USA)

Lawmakers take notice as GAO finds huge potential savings on radioactive waste disposal

In urging US Congress to be more aggressive in monitoring federal government spending, the Government Accountability Office said tens of billions of dollars could be saved by coming up with better ways to treat radioactive waste.  Other coverage of the GAO report can be found here.

26 April 2018                              Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

Montreal-area mayors unanimously oppose nuclear waste dump in Chalk River, Ont.

82 Quebec municipalities worried Canadian Nuclear Laboratories’ (CNL) proposed low-level radioactive disposal site could affect drinking water.

26 April 2018                              Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)                 

House bill wants study of alternative uses for Yucca Mountain

Congresswoman Jacky Rosen introduces the Jobs, Not Waste Act into US Congress. This legislation would prohibit any action relating to the licensing, planning, development, or construction of a nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, until the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) submits a study to Congress on the economic viability and job-creating benefits of alternative uses of the Yucca Mountain site.  Also covered by KOH AM Newstalk, Las Vegas Sun

26 April 2018                               Times and Star (UK)

Search to find nuclear waste storage site is ‘flawed’, Cumbria council chiefs claim

Cumbria County Council respond critically to public consultation on the UK’s proposed new GDF siting process.  Also covered in Whitehaven News.

26 April 2018                               Ottawa Citizen (Canada)

Kehler: Chalk River’s nuclear waste facility will respect safety and the environment

Defence of the Canadian Nuclear Laboratory’s planned low-level radioactive waste near-surface repository, citing safety-first approach and extensive community engagement.

26 April 2018                               Olean Times Herald (USA)

West Valley cleanup comment period extended by 30 days

Public consultation in Western New York state extended, but continued interim surface storage of radioactive waste not considered a viable option bu local Task Force.

26 April 2018                               The Transcontinental (Australia)

Flinders Ranges and Kimba unite against nuclear waste

Local activists meet in opposition to proposed low-level radioactive waste facility.

25 April 2018                               BBC (Wales)

Low-level nuclear waste might stay at Trawsfynydd plant

Negative public reaction to idea that radioactive waste may be left on site after the site has been decommissioned.

25 April 2018                               Las Vegas Sun (USA)

Should nuclear waste be dumped here? Sound off on Yucca Mountain

Nevada’s Legislative Committee on High-Level Radioactive Waste is holding a Hearing and seeking the opinions of Nevadans on the Yucca Mountain project.

25 April 2018                               Yahoo! News

Officials say radioactive sludge barrel ruptures now total 4

Now confirmed that 4, not 1, radioactive waste packages ruptured at the Idaho waste processing facility.  No risk to people or environment, nor injuries reported.  Ruptures occurred following waste that had been stored since 1960s had been placed in new containers.  Investigations continue.  Also covered by The Columbian, ABC News

25 April 2018                               Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

Carlsbad non-profits get boost from WIPP

Short article on WIPP’s financial support for local charities and community groups.

24 April 2018                               International Atomic Energy Agency

IAEA, Florida International University Expand Cooperation on Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation

Announcement of new investment to develop skills base, and to co-ordinate international research.  IAEA spokesman said:  “As many nuclear facilities approach their retirement in the coming decades, having resources for their safe and effective decommissioning is of crucial importance. The same is true for environmental remediation of the sites after the decommissioning or other sites.” 

24 April 2018                               Republican-Eagle (USA)

Omnibus earmarks $40M for Prairie Island renewable energy programs

Minnesota planning to give $40 million to Prairie Island Indian Community for renewable energy programs, and provide funds to Xcel Energy to speed relocation of radioactive waste in interim surface storage at the Prairie Island and Monticello nuclear plants.

24 April 2018                               Oshawa Express (Canada)

Region wants funding for nuclear waste storage

Local council wants compensation for the continued interim storage of nuclear waste at Darlington and Pickering Generating Stations “until such time as nuclear waste is stored in a permanent nuclear waste site.”

24 April 2018                               Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

No nuclear waste groups stand together

Local activists convene following announcement that local referendum will be held on 20 August.

23 April 2018                               Radio France International

4-minute item looking at UK’s search for a geological disposal site.  Focuses initially on 2013’s failed Cumbria process, then references international consensus behind geological disposal and work being undertaken in Finland and France.

23 April 2018                               New Vision (Uganda)

Proposed nuclear waste plant sparks off row

Residents complain they have not been consulted nor given enough information.  Executive Secretary of Uganda’s Atomic Energy Council, Deogratious Luwalira, said residents had been informed and had been assured that radioactive waste store “will have no effects on human beings because its handled properly and professionally.”   Confusion over whether local council has or has not approved continued development of the site, but local political representatives want more consultation with the community.

23 April 2018                               Live Law (India)

SC Seeks Compliance Report On Directions Issued In 2013 Regarding Kudankulam Nuclear Plant

Indian Supreme Court hearing an extension request to a 2013 agreement to permit construction of the nuclear plant.  Part of that agreement required proposals by 2018 for the geological disposal of radioactive waste.  Also covered by the New Indian Express, Business Standard, The News Minute, SME Times, Energy InfraPost

23 April 2018                               iPolitics (Canada)

Anti-nuclear waste activists march on Parliament Hill

Anishinabek Nation representatives join forces with NGOs to call on the International Atomic Energy Agency to launch a full investigation into how Canada deals with radioactive waste.  The activists believe  that current Canadian practices don’t meet the international obligations laid out in the joint convention to which Canada is a signatory.  This story also covered in The Province, Saskatoon Star Phoenix, National Post, CTV News, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Turtle Island News, The Record, Ottawa Citizen, Toronto Star, Orangeville Banner, Renfrew Today

23 April 2018                              Irish Times

UK ‘yet to properly assess’ nuclear plan’s impact on Ireland

Irish NGO claims UK has not consulted Ireland on potential impacts, not just of Hinckley C, but of prospective plans to site a geological disposal facility either in N Ireland or under the Irish sea.

23 April 2018                              Dhaka Times (Bangladesh)

Reliance on fossil fuels makes Bangladesh an outlier

Article critical of Bangladesh’ reliance on more expensive coal and nuclear energy sources makes reference to potential additional escalating future costs associated with radioactive waste management.

23 April 2018                              Kent Online (UK)

UK’s first nuclear waste site could be at Romney Marsh

Folkestone & Hythe council open to potentially hosting the GDF.

23 April 2018                              Albuquerque Journal (USA)

WIPP official defends plant safety plans

Following the 2015 incident at WIPP, new procedures were put in place, which would have detected the radioactive waste package that ruptured earlier this month at Idaho’s Radioactive Waste Management Complex before it left Idaho for emplacement at WIPP.  Also covered by US News & World Report, Seattle Times, Artesia Daily Press, Santa Fe New Mexican

22 April 2018                              The Statesman (India)

Nuclear Legacy Trap: myths and reality

Article urges India’s nuclear community to come out of their comfort zone and address the myths and realities of radioactive waste to build trust and understanding with the Indian public.

22 April 2018                              Ukrinform (Ukraine)

The State Fund for Radioactive Waste Management will resume its work on July 1

Legislative amendments had accidentally halted funds going to radioactive waste managemetn in Ukraine.  This has now been addressed.

21 April 2018                              Tri-City Herald (USA)

Volcanoes or earthquakes. Which one is a bigger threat to Hanford?

Report on the US Department of Energy’s review of the potential impact of volcanic ash on interim surface storage facilities which hold radioactive waste awaiting geological disposal.

21 April 2018                              Development Discourse (Czech Republic)

Demonstration against the nuclear repository at eight locations in the Czech Republic

Municipalities identified as potential sites for the Czech geological repository will be demonstrating against the storage of spent nuclear fuel on their territory. They want the state to pass a law that will give municipalities an equal position in deciding how and where the waste is disposed.  The demonstrators will be joined by mayors from neighbouring Austria.  Although Austria is non and anti nuclear, the mayors are not questioning geological disposal, but are supporting their Czech colleagues in having a role in deciding how and where the site is located.

21 April 2018                              Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

WIPP moves forward with infrastructure upgrades a year after reopening

WIPP management report on operations and infrastructure investment since the facility re-opened.

The newspaper also runs another story on a school’s visit to WIPP to make local children more aware of the facility’s work.

21 April 2018                              The Times (UK)

Sellafield tourist brought in to clear up the mess we’ve made of nuclear waste

Interview with David Peattie, new Chief Executive of the UK’s Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).  The NDA is the parent body of the UK’s GDF delivery body, RWM.  No mention of geological disposal in the interview.

19 April 2018                              Post Register (USA)

New group to push against bringing more waste to Idaho

A new group, “Don’t Waste Idaho” has been established to pressure the U.S. Department of Energy not to review whether the Idaho National Laboratory should be kept open to package more nuclear waste, and to stick to the terms of the 1995 Settlement Agreement.  Story also covered by Boise State Public Radio

19 April 2018                              Development Discourse (Georgia)

IAEA reviews use of nuclear technologies in Georgia

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Director General discussed radioactive waste disposal during a visit to Georgia.  The country uses radioactive sources in medicine and industry, and operates radioactive waste management facilities.  Georgia’s authorities are exploring different options for radioactive waste disposal, in particular, a central waste treatment and storage facility.

18 April 2018                              Lincoln County Herald (USA)

YUCCA MOUNTAIN CONCERNS REMAIN HOT TOPIC

Local newspaper reviews the debate and the conflicts between the local community which wants to assess the opportunity and the State which is blocking any attempts to progress the project.

18 April 2018                              NBC News KPVI-Channel 6 (USA)

Investigation Involving Waste Drum Continues at DOE Idaho Site

Investigations continue into the waste package leak at the Idaho plant last week.  Shipments from the plant to WIPP have resumed because none of the waste and packaging under investigation had been sent to WIPP.  Preliminary investigations suggest that “a drum experienced a pressure excursion that resulted in the breach of the drum lid”.  The suspect package had been processed on the afternoon of April 11, repackaged, and was awaiting the final characterisation, treatment, and certification process required for shipment to WIPP. It is thought the waste concerned may have been stored at the facility since the 1960s.

18 April 2018                              Reuters (France)

Quiet no more, French village becomes centre of anti-nuclear protest

Reuters reports that the 82 residents of the French village of Bure lived a quiet life until the government began testing the feasibility of storing nuclear waste there.  Now Bure is rocked by prote s ts as a final decision on the project looms.  French nuclear waste agency Andra is preparing a
formal request for next year to build the 25 billion euro ($31 billion) facility.  Local Mayor Gerard Antoine originally backed the proposal but says he now regrets that decision and would say no if he were asked today:   “Life will become unbearable here with the nuclear waste and all the
demonstrators.”  Story also reprinted in Lebanon’s Daily Star, Yahoo! Australia, Business Insider, Euronews

18 April 2018                              Albuquerque Journal (USA)

Editorial: Now’s the time to air concerns about nuke site

Local newspaper supports Holtec’s bid for a temporary radioactive waste storage facility, explains why, and makes wider pitch for why New Mexico is well-placed to take advantage of economic opportunities related to nuclear waste management.

17 April 2018                              Deutsche Welle (Germany)

Czech Republic weighs nuclear options

In a longer piece about the economic and geopolitical issues behind any Czech government decision on nuclear, the difficulties of finding a location for a geological repository are mentioned.

17 April 2018                              The Hill (USA)

The ‘victim card’ always obscures the truth

Leading Washington DC political magazine carries opinion piece from a Nevada Republican critical of his state’s political leadership’s opposition to Yucca Mountain project, who says: “Imagine a Republican member of the U.S. Senate refusing to support a proposal that could potentially create thousands of high-paying jobs and generate billions of dollars in fees and taxes, which could be distributed in annual payments to citizens and government.”

16 April 2018                             Nuclear Policy (UK)

NFLA Welsh Forum joins with other Welsh anti-nuclear groups to discuss challenging Welsh nuclear policy and unanimously agrees on the ‘Machynlleth Declaration’

Website of Nuclear Free Local Authorities publishes joint statement — the Machynlleth Declaration — calling on Welsh Government make Wales a leader in Europe and the world for clean, green and nuclear free energy.  Statement includes comment on GDF siting process.

16 April 2018                             The Transcontinental (Australia)

ATLA opposes UCG in Leigh Creek

Aboriginal group, the Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association (ATLA), has voted unanimously against the proposed radioactive waste management facility near Hawker.  The Federal government have announced that a postal referendum will start on 20 August to assess community support for the proposed waste facility.  The Government have given a commitment that the facility will only proceed with community support.

16 April 2018                            WHYY Public Service Radio (USA)

With nuke plant shutting down, N.J. community inherits 1.7M pounds of waste

Report on impact on local community of the closure of the Oyster Creek nuclear plant.  Not just lost jobs, loss of income for local economy, or likely higher local taxes to make up shortfall, but what to do with the waste — this was supposed to be sent for geological disposal but will now be held in interim surface storage facilities.

16 April 2018                            Nottingham Post (UK)

Is the government planning to put a nuclear waste dump in south Nottinghamshire?

Based on Leicestershire County Council’s deliberations (see story below, 13 April), very similar story about public reaction to the possibility of a GDF being built in Nottinghamshire.  Same story also runs in the Derby Telegraph, with a ‘Derbyshire’ angle.

16 April 2018                             Splash 247 (China)

China National Nuclear Corporation to develop spent nuclear fuel carriers       

Given the anticipated scale of radioactive waste volumes from their nuclear reactors, China is already planning ahead.

16 April 2018                            Deutsche Welle (Germany)

Radioactive waste leaking at German storage site: report

Potential problems with canisters at a low-level radioactive waste facility raise wider concerns about the risks of maintaining interim facilities and no alternative currently available for permanent disposal of radioactive waste.  Story also covered in New Europe magazine.

15 April 2018                            Tri-City Herald (USA)

Try your skill at walking and texting. Free safety expo returns to Pasco

Transport of nuclear waste is one of the demonstrations at a local family education expo on the science of safety, safety awareness, safety culture for businesses and work/life balance.

14 April 2018                            Whitehaven News (UK)

Paltry payback on offer for dealing with waste

Cumbria Trust report letter in Whitehaven News from Tim Knowles, who chaired the failed last attempt to site a GDF, in which he laments lack of funding on offer, but comments on potential of siting the repository up to 20km offshore.

13 April 2018                            Leicester Mercury (UK)

Could north Leicestershire be put forward as location for a nuclear waste dump?

On the back of Leicestershire County Council agreeing text of their response to the UK Government’s current consultations on geological disposal, an article highlighting the range of local opinions — mostly opposed, though the County Council have left open their option to explore the possibility of hosting a facility.

13 April 2018                            Idaho Mountain Express (USA)

With deadline looming, history weighs heavy at INL

The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) packages radioactive waste for geological disposal.  But a backlog at WIPP, and no progress on Yucca Mountain or any other geological disposal facility has forced the US Department of Energy to review whether to extend the INL’s operating life and licence.  Any extension to the contract would breach the conditions of a 1995 settlement reached between Idaho and the federal government, and faces local opposition to any increase in the amount of waste stored in interim surface facilities.

12 April 2018                            Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Economic working group established in Kimba

12 April 2018                            US News & World Report

Radioactive Sludge Barrel Ruptures at Idaho Nuclear Site

A barrel containing radioactive waste ruptured at the Idaho National Laboratory site for the packaging and interim surface storage of nuclear waste.  Federal officials said there were no injuries and no risk to the public but the incident could possibly slow progress in the shipping waste from the site.  Story also covered by Idaho Spokesman-Review, Boise State Public Radio, Bristol Herald Courier, Japan Times, Yahoo! News UK, KXYL Spokane, Midland Daily News, Newsday, San Francisco Chronicle

12 April 2018                             Swiss Info

Extra CHF1bn needed to decommission Swiss nuclear plants

Swiss Government announce that costs of decommissioning and disposing of radioactive waste are likely to rise by more than 1 billion swiss francs than previously estimated.

12 April 2018                            Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)

Chairman promises House vote on Yucca Mountain funding

In contrast to the hearing he got in front of a Senate committee the day before, US Energy Secretary Rick Perry was told by the Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee that he would be bringing forward legislation to fund licensing proceedings for the Yucca Mountain nuclear repository.

Separately on Thursday, during a Senate Banking Committee hearing, White House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney told Senator Dean Heller of Nevada that he is open to interim storage:  “I’m not trying to beat up on Nevada.  I’m trying to figure out a way to put this stuff someplace safe.”

11 April 2018                            Wicklow News (Ireland)

WPPN Information Meeting on the UK’s proposals to expand their Nuclear Programme

Local media report on a public meeting was organised by Wicklow Public Participation Network and the Irish Environmental Network, which included discussion about the possibility of a GDF being built in Northern Ireland or under the Irish Sea.

11 April 2018                            Grist

Nukes of Hazard

Cover article in this month’s edition of an independent environmental and social justice magazine looks at wider nuclear picture, with a strong mention of the issues associated with managing radioactive waste.  The article makes the point that a) waste from other fuel sources and industrial processes dwarfs by volume the waste produced by nuclear, b) other wastes remain toxic and harmful forever and do not decay safely, c) no other industry takes such care to dispose of its waste.

11 April 2018                            Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)

Senators question Yucca Mountain in DOE’s proposed budget

Appearing before the US Senate Appropriations subcommittee for energy and water development, Energy Secretary Rick Perry was told the federal government had to find additional and alternative ways to manage and dispose of radioactive waste.  Subcommittee Chairman Sen. Lamar Alexander said he would be introducing a bill soon that would create a federal agency to find additional permanent and temporary repositories besides Yucca Mountain.

The House of Representatives and Senate are at loggerheads over how to address nuclear waste and whether to press ahead with Yucca Mountain.  The House has passed legislation to streamline the licensing process and expand Yucca Mountain storage.  The Senate blocks any moves to progress Yucca Mountain.  Senator Alexander said he still sees Yucca Mountain as an integral part of solving the nuclear waste problem, “but even if Yucca Mountain were open today, we would still need to look for another permanent repository.”

11 April 2018                            Nation Cymru (Wales)

Anti-nuclear organisations launch ‘alliance’ to stop nuclear dumping in Wales

CND Cymru, the NFLA Welsh forum, CADNO, and PAWB are to launch the Welsh Anti-Nuclear Alliance (WANA), which will campaign against new nuclear plants in Wales and any proposed GDF.

11 April 2018                            The Independent (South Africa)

Debunking nuclear cost, safety concerns

An interview with the Chair of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation on the country’s nuclear energy plans discusses waste management.  South Africa has not yet decided on a permanent disposal plan.

11 April 2018                            Manufacturers Monthly (Australia)

New framework to guide management of radioactive waste

The Australian government has issued a new Radioactive Waste Management Framework to guide the principles, policies and institutional arrangements of radioactive waste management in Australia.  Minister for Resources Matt Canavan said Australia’s radioactive waste was largely associated with nuclear medicines, needed by an average of one in two Australians in their lifetime, adding: “Radioactive waste is currently stored in more than 100 locations around Australia, and work is underway to establish a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility, where it will be consolidated.  This framework will clarify governance arrangements and responsibilities, and the core requirements that come with establishment of a facility.  Australia has benefitted enormously from our nuclear activities for 70 years, and with those benefits comes the responsibility to manage waste.”  The framework is reportedly the first of a series of documents on radioactive waste management expected to be published in 2018.

11 April 2018                            Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Act decisively on radioactive waste

Editorial following previous day news story, criticising government for poor management of public concern.  The newspaper accepts rationalising the storage of radioactive waste is best way forward, but government have handled issue badly.

10 April 2018                           Physorg.com (USA)

Scientific challenges and opportunities for remediating radioactive waste

Review of the science underpinning radioactive waste management to help policymakers and politicians base decisions on hard evidence and scientific analysis.

10 April 2018                           Canadian Homesteading

The Nuclear Waste Is Not The Biggest Danger In Front Of The CO2 Waste

Article criticising environmentalists for complaining about nuclear waste and then blocking any attempt to resolve the issue, particularly when radioactive waste is carefully managed — in contrast to the lack of long-term management for other equally or more toxic industrial wastes our society produces.

10 April 2018                           Daily Monitor (Uganda)

Mukono rejects radioactive waste site

Report on public concerns about Ugandan government plans to rationalise storage of medical and industrial radioactive waste to one location from the many sites the waste is currently stored.

10 April 2018                           Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)

Las Vegas board to continue fight against Yucca Mountain

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority have reaffirmed their commitment to continue lobbying against renewed finding for the Yucca Mountain project.

10 April 2018                           Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

$2M approved for 33 Kimba projects

More than 30 projects in the Kimba district to share in Aus$4 million from the National Radioactive Waste Management Facility Community Benefit Program.  Successful projects range from the large (eg a new palliative care wing at Kimba Hospital) to the small (eg air-conditioning in the Kelly Pioneer Memorial Hall).  Beneficiaries include local sporting clubs, community organisations, and projects focused on issues such as tourism, health, agriculture and mobile phone coverage.  Story also covered in The Transcontinental.

9 April 2018                             Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

WIPP reinstates Speaker’s Bureau

WIPP employees are being offered to help answer questions from the local community and to inform the public on operations at the site.

9 April 2018                             ABC TV KOLO Channel8 News (USA)

Nuclear waste is coming through town, the state is getting local responders ready

Local Nevada TV news report on preparations for transport of radioactive waste from California which will travel across Nevada for processing at a facility in Idaho before being sent back across Nevada for final disposal in the WIPP facility in New Mexico.

9 April 2018                             Saudi Gazette (Saudi Arabia)

Saudi Arabia to set up military base, nuclear waste burial site on Salwa border

Report that Saudi Arabia has decided to locate its geological disposal site (for the country’s as-yet unbuilt nuclear reactors) adjoining a military zone close to the Qatari border.  Story also covered around the world by media including: Gulf Digital News, Thomson Reuters Zawya, Bloomberg, Daily Sabah, Financial Express, Times of India, Middle East Monitor, Xinhua, South China Morning Post, US News & World Report, Haaretz, Malay Mail, Muslim News, The Independent, Newsweek Magazine, Economic Times, Business Insider, Times of Israel, Fox News Australia, Straits Times

7 April 2018                             Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

Activists protest Holtech’s proposed nuclear waste storage facility near Carlsbad

First of three public meetings to discuss the proposed temporary interim waste storage facility in New Mexico is covered by the local newspaper.  Also covered in Albuquerque Journal, Public News Service, KRQE, New Mexico Political Report, Roswell Daily Record, KOB News4

6 April 2018                             Blackburn News (Canada)

Updated Storage Plan For Used Nuclear Fuel

Canada’s Nuclear Waste Management Organisation (NWMO) has published its latest 5-year strategic plan for public comment.  NWMo is responsible for finding a site and constructing Canada’s GDF. People can comment on the plans until July 20, and next year’s updated plan will reflect those comments.  Public comments on last year’s updated plan included concerns about transportation safety and proposed routes, and the training for first responders.  The GDF project is expected to create about 1,500 construction jobs and 2,200 operations jobs in the local region.

6 April 2018                              Total Slovenia News

Delo claims management dispute at nuclear plant due to attempt to favour Croatian firms

Reported disagreement between Slovenia and Croatia, allegedly because Croatia wants more contracts from any geological repository to be given to Croatian businesses.

6 April 2018                              Kenora Online (Canada)

Safety key for nuclear waste group

Local media update on NWMO’s search for a GDF site in the area.

5 April 2018                              World Nuclear News

NRC renews contract for waste support centre

The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has renewed a contract with Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to operate the Centre for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses (CNWRA). The five-yearUS$52 million contract is to provide the NRC with technical assistance and research support for activities related to the storage, transportation, possible reprocessing and ultimate geological disposal of used nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste.

5 April 2018                              The Energy Collective

Practical Nuclear Waste Disposal

Philosophy of Science journal reviews history of how nuclear sector and international political community have addressed the issue of permanently disposing of nuclear waste.  Accuses politicians of ignoring science and delaying humanity’s attempts to solve the problem.

4 April 2018                              Deutsche Welle (Germany)

Britain offers millions in cash to bury its radioactive waste

Report on UK’s public consultation and revised approach to finding a site for its GDF.

2 April 2018                             Advanced Science News

Technical and Social Problems of Nuclear Waste

Summary of the state of the scientific and social issues related to geological disposal.

1 April 2018                             World Nuclear News

Andra creates underground technical committee

French radioactive waste management agency Andra has announced the creation of its underground technical committee on 28 March. The committee, made up of external experts, will issue opinions and recommendations on Andra’s underground activities, research and studies in relation to the planned geological repository.

1 April 2018                             Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

$1.3B cleanup of Port Hope finally underway after decades of massive planning

Not a ‘GDF-story’, but a report on the impact of how low-level radioactive waste land remediation is affecting one small Canadian community.

29 March 2018                       Power Magazine

Texas Consolidated Nuclear Waste Storage Facility to Be Revived

Trade magazine analyses revived plans for a temporary radioactive waste disposal facility in West Texas.

29 March 2018                       KPBS TV (USA)

As San Onofre’s Radioactive Waste Goes Underground, Opponents Search For Alternatives

Detailed analysis at options for permanently disposing of the nuclear waste from the San Onofre nuclear reactor.  The local US Congressman Darren Issa said finding an alternative site for the waste is one of his top priorities:  “It’s so easy for people to say ‘no’ to a solution and not have an alternative.  And in this case, people can feel that a particular site is not good, but if it’s incrementally better than where it is today, then it has to be considered.”

29 March 2018                       Environmental Protection magazine

Sandia Details ‘Transport Triathlon’ Results

Further, more detailed report, on collaborative international research into safe transport of nuclear waste.

29 March 2018                       US News & World Report

US Nuke Dump Logs 180 Shipments Since Resuming Operations

WIPP, the US’ only geological repository, updates media on operations since its re-opening.  Transport of waste from across the US are now at about eight shipments per week.  Story also covered in the Seattle Times, Santa Fe New Mexican, KRQE Albuquerque, KOB News4

28 March 2018                       The Mainichi (Japan)

Wildlife film festival to screen whaling documentary

The 13th Japan Wildlife Film Festival not only includes a controversial film about Japan’s whaling and dolphin hunting traditions, but will also screen ‘Into Eternity’, the film about the Finnish geological disposal repository.

28 March 2018                       Le Monde (France)

“Burying nuclear waste is the worst solution”

Interview with ‘expert’ Bernard Laponche, who claims that the global scientific community have got it wrong, and that scientists must be given more time to research and identify a better alternative to geological disposal.  The article requires a subscription payment to be read in full.

28 March 2018                      Japan Forward

Pitfalls of Opposition CDP’s ‘Zero Nuclear’ Bill

The main Opposition Party in Japan, the CDP, are tabling a draft bill which would phase out nuclear power within five years.  This article analyses perceived strengths and weaknesses of the draft legislation, but makes clear that permanent disposal of radioactive waste remains unchanged regardless of whether Japan continues to use nuclear energy, saying: “there would be little differences between continuing and discontinuing nuclear power generation when it comes to nuclear waste disposal.”

27 March 2018                       San Diego Union-Tribune (USA)

Editorial | More unnerving news on San Onofre nuclear waste front

Renewed concern that Yucca Mountain or another geological repository are urgently needed, as a problem is discovered with interim surface waste containers at the San Onofre nuclear facility.

27 March 2018                       Brattleboro Reformer (USA)

Companies propose solution for Vermont Yankee spent fuel

The competing private sector proposals to build temporary spent fuel repositories in New Mexico and West Texas are looked at in more detail as a way to solve the interim radioactive waste storage issues as Vermont decommissions the Yankee nuclear reactor.  There are concerns that while the Nuclear Regulatory Commission may approve one or both proposed temporary facilities, the Department of Energy may not authorise or allow transport of spent fuel from decommissioned reactors to such temporary facilities.

26 March 2018                      Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

New nuclear energy and fuel waste storage facilities emerging near Carlsbad?

Report on potential competition between two proposed temporary radioactive waste storage facilities, one near Carlsbad and the other in West Texas.

26 March 2018                       FranceTVInfo

Nuclear: Bure, a colossal project at phenomenal cost

French language video article focusing on cost of France’s GDF, concludes final cost can’t be accurately forecast, and claims there is a tension between the government agency delivering the project ANDRA (who are building in safety at a price) and EDF (who want to reduce costs as much as possible).

26 March 2018                      Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Nuclear agency visits Kimba

Report on a visit by nuclear regulators to Kimba to explain to residents the role of the regulator in independently reviewing safety and other plans for any proposed nuclear facility.

26 March 2018                      The Philadelphia Inquirer (USA)

Dangerous nuclear waste in Pa. and N.J. should be stored more safely

Feature article on how state legislators are stepping in to raise safety standards for surface storage of radioactive waste above the levels required by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

26 March 2018                      EuroNews (Hungary)

Greenpeace Hungary’s floating protest against nuclear power plant

Protest calling for shutdown of Hungary’s nuclear programme because the Hungarian government has not yet found a permanent solution for disposing of nuclear waste.

25 March 2018                      ABC Radio (Australia)

Keep Bre Nuclear Free

13 minute podcast with aboriginal leaders of a local New South Wales campaign opposed to the potential siting of a radioactive waste repository.

24 March 2018                     Facts Week

Radioactive Waste Management Market 2018- Driven by Increasing Stringent Government Regulations Especially For Long-Term Waste Management Solution

Report on a commercially-provided analysis of global trends in the radioactive waste management market.

23 March 2018                     Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Senate inquiry submissions close soon

Reminder that people have until April 3 to make a submission into the Australian senate inquiry into the site selection for the proposed National Radioactive Waste Management Facility in Kimba and Hawker.

23 March 2018                    Blackburn News (Canada)

OPG Continues Talks About Nuclear Waste Site

Talks between Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the Saugeen Ojibway First Nation on a planned permanent nuclear waste storage site in Kincardine could take two years.  The planned geological repository is for low-level waste, and is not part of Canada’s search for a site for a GDF for their high-level waste.  Local opponents to the Kincardine scheme argue that low-level waste does not need burying deep underground.

23 March 2018                    Dallas News (USA)

This Dallas company wants the feds to bury nuclear waste in West Texas

Further reporting on the US-French joint venture seeking regulatory approval to develop plans for a temporary storage facility for waste destined for the stalled Yucca Mountain geological repository.  Benefits and jobs for the local Texas economy are noted, but some people worried the ‘temporary’ site may become permanent by accident.

23 March 2018                    ABC News (Australia)

SA Government indicates support for nuclear waste dump as communities remain split about proposal

Following State elections, local political support continues for federal plan to locate a low-level waste facility.  Article reviews differing public opinions within the affected local communities.  Story even gets covered by online news outlet in India

22 March 2018                    NBC TV News Las Vegas (USA)

Pahrump officials want Yucca discussion to move forward

Report on potential economic boom for community hosting the Yucca Mountain project — engineering equivalent to building the Hoover Dam, jobs for over 120 years.  Local museum curator says: “We feel like it’s our obligation to the citizens of Nye County, to help them have the facts, not the fear-mongering.” 

22 March 2018                    Daily Energy Insider (USA)

Sen. Heller urges Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee not to fund Yucca Mountain

Nevada Senator writes to the US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee urging them not to fund the Trump Administration’s request for $120 million to restart the licensing process for the Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository, saying: “I firmly believe consent-based siting presents a viable path forward on this issue and a means of addressing our nation’s high-level nuclear waste problem while at the same time respecting the sovereignty of states to object to becoming dumping sites.  The proposed high-level nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain presents a very different path, however. Indeed, this project represents the exact opposite of consent; it is a unilaterally imposed federal mandate that runs contrary to the will of the people that it directly affects.”

22 March 2018                    Northern Echo (UK)

No plans for a nuclear waste site – Government assures Stockton North MP

Responding to a question put to the Prime Minister by a Member of Parliament, UK Government confirms community consent required before a geological disposal facility can be built.

22 March 2018                   Washington Examiner (USA)

John McCain tells energy chief Rick Perry lawmakers will help him ‘correct course’ on waste

For first time in over 10 years, US Senate Armed Services Committee grills a US Energy Secretary over the management of defence-related radioactive waste.  Committee Chairman John McCain said the Energy Department’s (DoE) defence programmes, including the cleanup of nuclear waste, have gone without sufficient oversight.  He claimed the the DoE had run up a long list of cost overruns, schedule delays, and violations of safety and security, saying: “Put simply, they have all too often failed to meet mission requirements.”  McCain said the Armed Services Committee will begin the oversight necessary to help the DoE “correct course.”

21 March 2018                    Post Register (USA)

DOE weighs bringing Washington waste to Idaho

US Energy Department considering keeping open a nuclear waste treatment facility in Idaho.  The facility packs waste in preparation for disposal at the US’s WIPP geological repository.  It is due for closure next year, with the loss of 700 skilled jobs.  The facility also houses specialised equipment purchased by the taxpayer.  Local environmentalists concerned about the proposal, while cautious State officials want to explore economic and environmental impacts before making a decision.

21 March 2018                    Iowa Now

University of Iowa establishes research group on nuclear energy and waste

Article emphasising that the longer politicians defer decisions on radioactive waste disposal the greater the need to train a new generation of scientists with the skills which will be required once we do start disposing of the waste.  Young students see the work as part of a “global effort” to resolve the long-term issue of safe nuclear waste disposal.  Also covered by local media, eg ABC Channel 9 News

21 March 2018                   KKOH Talk Radio (USA)

Heller Says He Stopped Senate From Funding Nuclear Dump Jumpstart

US Senator for Nevada reveals key Senate committee has not included Yucca Mountain funding in its budget proposals, and that therefore Department of Energy’s funding request will fall.  Budget/funding story also covered in Las Vegas Review-Journal, CBS Channel2 News, US News & World Report, Las Vegas Review-Journal, World Nuclear News, Newburgh Gazette, Las Vegas Sun, Washington Post, Buffalo News, E&E News, Nevada Independent

21 March 2018                    Nuclear Energy Insider (UK)

UK deep waste developer must expand industry talks to avoid delays

Trade media report on UK’s geological disposal plans and the UK’s two current public consultations.

21 March 2018                    Carlsbad Current Argus (USA)

Letter from one resident correcting statements made by an anti-nuclear activist at a public meeting to discuss whether the local WIPP facility should also accept plutonium for disposal.  Letter writer wonders why anti-nuclear activists do not support actions that reduce the possibility of the plutonium being used for nuclear weapons, preferring to fight against the safe and permanent disposal of the material.

21 March 2018                    E&E Daily (USA)

NRC commissioners outline plans for waste work

US Nuclear Regulatory Commission questioned by Congress over whether it still has skills to manage a renewed assessment of the Yucca Mountain site.  NRC acknowledged loss of expertise through retirements since programme shut down in 2011, but confident it could progress work with current staff.  Stalled project blamed by Congressmen on failure of political leadership.

20 March 2018                   Daily Energy Insider

Sandia conducts 14,500 mile test to gauge the safety of transporting spent nuclear fuel

To better understand risks and to demonstrate how spent nuclear fuel can be transported safely, an international consortia of scientists (from Spain, Korea and USA) have completed a 14,500-mile trek to gather data on the bumps and jolts spent nuclear fuel experiences during transportation.  Story also covered in Engineering magazine.

20 March 2018                   Radio France International

French nuclear-waste protesters jailed

Sentencing of the first of several protestors who were arrested during the recent disturbances in Bure close to the proposed site of France’s GDF.

20 March 2018                    Bloomberg News

This Father-Daughter Team Says It Has a Cheaper, Safer Way to Bury Nuclear Waste

Proposal to bury waste in shale gas deposits from a father and daughter team attracts widespread media attention, including: Digital Journal, OZY.com.  The father-daughter team have also produced a video to support their proposals.

19 March 2018                    EnergyWire (USA)

Joint venture aims to renew West Texas waste plan

Update on plans tabled by Orano USA and Waste Control Specialists LLC for a possible consolidated interim storage facility in Andrews County, Texas, for used nuclear fuel.

19 March 2018                    Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Kimba council makes nuclear inquiry submission

Local Council’s response to the Australian Senate inquiry into the selection process for a National Radioactive Waste Management Facility in South Australia is likely to say that the local community should take the final decision rather than the federal or state governments or electorates.

19 March 2018                    Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)

Nevada senators fight Yucca Mountain restart on two fronts

Further reporting on efforts of Nevada Senators to block funding for Yucca Mountain project.

17 March 2018                    Yahoo! News

New Mexico nuke repository studied for plutonium storage

US Department of Energy has commissioned a national group of scientists to study the viability of permanently storing plutonium at the WIPP repository in Carlsbad New Mexico.  Local politician Cathrynn Brown said the Carlsbad community was supportive of the repository and was confident moving and storing plutonium could be done safely, saying:   “We are a consenting community.  People are not afraid to ask questions. We are one of the few communities that accepted a project like this. If it’s not safe, we don’t want it.”

Story also covered by local radio news station WTOP, by The Columbian, Santa Fe New Mexican, E&E News

17 March 2018                    IntelliNews (Macedonia)

Macedonia looks to dispose of radioactive medical waste “time bomb” stored in downtown Skopje

Macedonia has no solution for waste medical isotopes stored at hospital oncology department.

17 March 2018                    The Guardian (UK)

Is Fukushima doomed to become a dumping ground for toxic waste?

Speculative article that suggests the difficulty in remediating land around the Fukushima plant and re-opening the area to human habitation may make it easier for Japanese authorities to propose locating a geological disposal facility there.

16 March 2018                    Business Insider

US and French companies form venture for nuke waste storage

Joint venture to build an interim storage site in West Texas for high-level nuclear waste, competing with Holtec’s proposed temporary facility in New Mexico.  The move is a response to the debate over what to do with spent fuel generated by the US’ nuclear power plants.   Federal officials have long acknowledged that the future of nuclear energy depends on the ability to manage and dispose of used fuel and high-level radioactive waste.  The Energy Department announced in 2015 that it would begin identifying possible locations for interim storage sites as part of its plan to spur the use of nuclear power and develop the transportation and storage infrastructure needed to manage the waste.  Given the impasse over a permanent waste facility at Yucca, industry officials have said that temporary storage is needed because the licensing process for Yucca Mountain will take years.  Story also covered by local Texas media 12WBOY, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, San Luis Obispo Tribune, My San Antonio.com, Tri-City Herald, NBC NewsWest9, Santa Fe New Mexican, CBS News7

16 March 2018                    Albuquerque Journal (USA)

Plan to store spent nuclear fuel rods in NM

More detailed local media analysis of Holtec’s plan to build a temporary waste fuel facility in New Mexico.

16 March 2018                    Ripon Advance (USA)

Shimkus leads colleagues in funding push for permanent national nuclear waste solution

Further reporting on Congressional discussions over funding Yucca Mountain project.

16 March 2018                    E&E News (USA)

Perry won’t budge on nuclear waste project

US Energy Secretary Rick Perry Perry reiterated his support for the contentious proposed nuclear waste repository in Nevada at a House Appropriations subcommittee hearing yesterday as he answered questions about DOE’s fiscal 2019 budget.  He recognised that while there was bipartisan support within the House, there were political issues in the Senate, and the funding decision was ultimately in the hands of Congress.

16 March 2018                    CNN

Political mavericks shake South Australia out of its two-party torpor

Report on the upcoming South Australia State elections gives significant prominence to the debate about hosting a geological disposal facility.

15 March 2018                    Nevada Independent (USA)

Heller’s best move on Yucca may be his tough re-election

A Republican US Senator who supports funding further research of the Yucca Mountain site believes funding will be denied because the Republican leadership fear losing the Nevada Senate seat during this year’s midterm elections.

14 March 2018                    Las Vegas Sun (USA)

EDITORIAL: Building a nuclear waste dump in Nevada is still the wrong thing to do

Editorial expressing ongoing concerns about geological safety at the Yucca Mountain site, and supporting recommendations of a previous Blue Ribbon Commission that the site for a repository be based on the  consent of the local people.

13 March 2018                    Washington Examiner (USA)

The quiet fight to finally send nuclear waste to Yucca Mountain

Rep. John Shimkus’s attempts to secure funding to renew the Yucca Mountain project.  “Part of the main contention of Nevadans is the science is not sound,” Shimkus says. “This money complies with the law. It says, let’s have the debate. If opponents are right on the science, then Yucca can’t happen.”

13 March 2018                    Las Vegas Review-Journal (USA)

Private Yucca meeting upsets Nevada officials

Row erupts as Nevada state officials (who oppose Yucca Mountain waste facility proposal) find out that local Yucca Mountain community leaders (who support the proposal) met US Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairwoman.  Story also reported on E&E News.  GDFWatch also comment on story.

12 March 2018                    Brussels Times (Belgium)

Ondraf supports passive burial of highly radioactive waste

The Director General of Belgium’s National Agency for Radioactive Waste and Enriched Fissile Materials (Ondraf) defended its support for geological disposal as the organisation released further details of the proposed process for finding a site.  Marc Demarche said:  “The planning is subject to caution.  [Geological disposal] is considered the only safe option at the international level. The evolution of society and climate change in the next 100 years [means] only the subsurface guarantees safety.”

12 March 2018                    San Diego Union-Tribune (USA)

Editorial | Three ways beyond his border wall prototypes Trump can really help California

Reviving Yucca Mountain geological repository so that waste in interim surface facilities in Southern California can be permanently removed is cited as one of the three most important things President Trump can do to help California.

12 March 2018                     Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

New York Times features Kimba nuclear debate

Local newspaper reports that their town has made international news with the New York Times reporting on the public consultation taking place about hosting a nuclear waste facility.  Local Mayor Dean Johnson disappointed the article focused on division in the town and reporting that friends were refusing to speak to each other, saying:  “It’s a scenario that only exists in the copy of metropolitan media outlets.  The reality is that we may get the facility and we may not but no one is forcing it.” 

12 March 2018                     E&E Daily (USA)

Leaders aim to finalize omnibus this week

Report on US House of Representatives negotiations to finalise a budget notes that while the House supports funding the Yucca Mountain project, they may drop the proposal because they do not believe the Senate will approve any funding for Yucca.

11 March 2018                     Focus Taiwan

Authorities say energy policies are in line with public demand

To coincide with the annual anti-nuclear march, the Energy Department updated on its plans and on pending legislation related to nuclear waste management.  Although following a nuclear-free future, Taiwan is seeking a geological repository for its legacy waste.

9 March 2018                      Tri-City Herald (USA)

New Mexico supportive of storing used nuclear fuel

More detailed report on the plans and local community support for the proposed private sector disposal facility which has cleared its first regulatory hurdle.

8 March 2018                     Deutsche Welle (Germany)

Cash for nuclear waste

Audio podcast with Cumbrian resident reviewing community reaction during last site search process, and Prof Neill Hyatt explaining the science behind geological disposal.

8 March 2018                     San Diego Union Tribune (USA)

Editorial | Should San Onofre nuclear waste go to Nevada or New Mexico? Yes, but …

Newspaper editorial supports geological disposal, recognising that the private sector proposal for a site in New Mexico at least has local support because of the economic advantages, whereas Yucca is stalled in local political dispute.

8 March 2018                     Utility Dive (USA)

Goodbye Yucca? NRC to review New Mexico nuclear waste storage proposal

Industry media outlet also thinks local support for the New Mexico plans may make it a better option to pursue given the political contentiousness of the Yucca Mountain plan.

8 March 2018                     Deutsche Welle (Germany)

The tiny village leading France’s anti-nuclear movement

Long article examining the local debate and opposition surrounding the proposed Bure site of France’s GDF.

7 March 2018                     The Transcontinental (Australia)

Protesters unite against nuclear waste in Port Augusta

Local newspaper report on the South Australia state election campaign, in which the revived idea of a geological disposal facility has become an election issue.

7 March 2018                     Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

WIPP: Volume tracking adjustment could ensure plant’s future

The geological disposal facility is seeking a permit to increase its capacity/lifetime by changing the way in which waste volumes are calculated.  Under the proposed new system the facility would only be considered 30% full, rather than the 50% capacity it is currently assessed to be.  Coverage also in US News, KCBD NBC News Texas, Seattle Times, Santa Fe New Mexican, KOB4 New Mexico, Albuquerque Journal, Roswell Daily Record

7 March 2018                     New York Times

A Farming Town Divided: Do We Want a Nuclear Site that Brings Jobs?

NY Times reports on the discussions and divides in an Australian community over whether to host a nuclear waste facility.

7 March 2018                     Daily Signal (USA)

Now Is Congress’ Prime Opportunity to Act on Nuclear Waste

Think tank The Heritage Foundation blames US Congress for failures to progress geological disposal of nuclear waste.  They say Congress must now at least provide enough funding to complete the Yucca Mountain permit review, arguing the review does not commit Congress to building the facility. It merely empowers Congress, the administration, the state of Nevada, and the nuclear industry to make informed decisions about how to proceed.  They quote from Monday’s Congressional debate: “political science has deprived the public of the actual science”, and urge Congress to let the scientific discussion be had.  The Foundation’s viewpoint also carried by CNS News

7 March 2018                     The Mainichi (Japan)

Kobe Steel also falsified data on analyses of burying radioactive waste

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) had sought analysis and advice on the corrosion of metal used for cladding tubes and containers for spent nuclear fuel in a geological disposal facility, and subcontracted Kobe Steel to do the work. Having reviewed the information provided by Kobe Steel, JAEA concluded data had been forged, falsified or was flawed in some way.  Kobe have apologised and will re-do the work.

7 March 2018                     ISPRA (Italy)

Italy’s Radioactive Waste Management Organisation, ISPRA, has submitted revised plans for its geological disposal project to the Italian Government.

6 March 2018                     Bloomberg News (USA)

Congress Poised to Skip Funding Yucca Nuke Dump Again This Year

Bloomberg reports that Rep Mike Simpson, chairman of the House subcommittee charged with writing the Energy Department’s spending plan, doubts that Yucca Mountain funding will be approved this year, given other priorities and the need to find savings from President Trump’s initial budget.  Washington DC-based E&E Daily reports same.

6 March 2018                     Reno Gazette-Journal (USA)

Majority of Nevadans want to consider nuclear waste repository: Schinhofen

Local community leader points to the newspaper’s own poll (as highlighted by GDFWatch!), and challenges local media and politicians to soften their opposition and recognise public support for further assessing the Yucca Mountain proposals.

6 March 2018                     Forbes Magazine

Will We Actually Get A Place To Store Our Nuclear Waste?

Further media analysis of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) decision to proceed with investigations into a private sector proposed temporary geological repository in New Mexico.  Article notes the proposal has the enthusiastic support of local communities in southeastern New Mexico, including the Eddy-Lea Energy Alliance and the state’s Governor Susana Martinez.

The NRC’s announcement has also been followed by Environmental Protection magazine, San Diego Union-Tribune, Power magazine, New Mexico Political Report

6 March 2018                     Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)    

New insights for Kimba delegation

Local residents have been taken to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) stores of low and intermediate level radioactive waste, to see Australia’s nuclear technology and radioactive waste management expertise.  One resident, Austen Eatts is opposed to the proposed Kimba facility but was pleased to see the campus, saying:  “I have always had a reasonable idea of what happens at ANSTO regarding medicine and industry and what they are doing there is very good actually.  The waste has to be put somewhere. I am still of two minds about whether it should be located in Kimba but I found the trip very informative.”

5 March 2018                    Nevada Independent (USA)

Shimkus, House proponents call for passage of Yucca bill

Report on a Congressional debate in support of a bipartisan bill to be introduced into US House of Representatives calling for the Yucca Mountain repository programme to be progressed.  Representatives complained that US$40bn had been paid by taxpayers to deliver Yucca, but nothing has happened.  Story also covered in Las Vegas Review-Journal, NBC News Oregon, News21 Oregon, KPBS San Diego, The Ripon Advance

4 March 2018                    Focus Taiwan

Taiwan’s Atomic Energy Council (AEC) has instructed the country’s main power supplier to consult with residents on any plans to build a nuclear waste facility in their neighbourhood.  The state-run Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) is also required to look at all areas in Taiwan, including the outlying islands, and not limit its options to scantly populated areas or uninhabited islands.  A decision is expected by the end of the year on potential sites for this additional interim surface storage facility, pending the outcome of continuing work on Taiwan’s geological disposal facility.  Story also carried in Taipei Times.

4 March 2018                    Radio France International

Police and protesters clash at French nuclear waste site

Further coverage of the clash between French police and protestors at the Bure site of the French GDF.  Also coverage on Al-Jazeera.

3 March 2018                    Agence France Presse

AFP report on clashes between protestors and police near the Bure site for the proposed French GDF carried in media as far away as Uganda and Singapore.  Police had removed protestors from a camp ten days ago (see stories below), to clear the area ahead of exploratory borehole drilling by ANDRA, France’s radioactive waste agency.  The media report that a peaceful protest of about 300 people turned violent with the arrival of a small group of masked protestors, resulting in French police using tear gas.

2 March 2018                   ABC TV News (USA)

Proposal Advances To Store Nuclear Waste In New Mexico

A private sector proposal for a temporary geological repository has passed it’s initial approval from federal regulators. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission says Holtec International’s plan can now be vetted for detailed safety, security and environmental concerns.  The plans face local public and political opposition.  Story also covered by Fox Business News, US News, Daily Mail Online, KRWG TV New Mexico, The Hill, Sante Fe New Mexican, Los Alamos Monitor, Barchart.com, Roswell Daily Record and The Olympian.

2 March 2018                   National Resource Defence Council (USA)

Nuclear Waste Survey

A survey of US state officials responsible for radioactive waste management shows that a large majority believe they should have additional regulatory authority over nuclear waste storage and disposal, similar to the authority states already have over other hazardous industrial wastes.  However there was no agreement and diverse opinions on issues such as: whether new standards for nuclear waste disposal sites are needed before the siting process for geologic repositories proceeds, or if federal legislation is needed to help define consent before a state can engage in siting of nuclear waste projects.

1 March 2018                   Reno Gazette Journal (USA)

Nevada, keep up the fight against nuclear waste

In an editorial the newspaper urges local political leaders to resist the Yucca Mountain proposal.  The paper runs an online poll, in which, contrary to the paper’s editorial position, 52% of respondents say either the repository would be good for Nevada’s economy, should be hosted for national security reasons, or should be hosted if a better economic deal was negotiated.

1 March 2018                   Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

South end of WIPP to be sealed. But how?

A 60-day local public consultation process has started on revised proposals for sealing off the part of the Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP) underground facility where radioactivity leaked from a faulty package in 2014.

28 February 2018          Olean Times Herald (USA)

Meeting Thursday will detail next steps for West Valley nuclear cleanup

Local newspaper report on a community coalition that is willing to wait for a national permanent nuclear waste disposal site, but wants to ensure interim surface storage facilities are safe.

27 February 2018          Las Vegas Review-Journal

Panel takes preliminary step in process to revive Yucca Mountain

Despite funding not yet being approved, a federal panel has convened to receive input on reconstructing an electronic library for documents needed to rule on the US Energy Department’s application for a license to build a repository for nuclear waste from power plants.  Story also covered by the Washington Examiner and Nevada Public Radio.

27 February 2018          Climate News Network

Nuclear waste mountains just go on growing

Article reviews international plans and slow progress for finding sites to dispose of radioactive waste.  Item recognises geological disposal as the preferred solution, but says politicians should stop building new nuclear facilities when there is still no solution actually available.

26 February 2018         World Nuclear News

UK nuclear laboratory to review Canadian research

UK’s National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL) has been contracted by Canada’s National Waste Management Organisation (NWMO) to carry out an expert peer review of NWMO’s work on the potential for corrosion of the copper-clad canisters to be used to store radioactive waste destined for geological disposal.

26 February 2018         NewsCom (Australia)

Cory Bernardi says a nuclear power dump could make us the ‘Saudi Arabia of the south’

Further coverage of the South Australia election campaign, and the proposed repository in that debate.  Also picked up by the Daily Mail Online (UK/International), FiveAA Talk Radio (Australia), and InDaily (Australia)

24 February 2018        Asahi Shimbun (Japan)

EDITORIAL: Opposition CDP’s zero nuclear bill merits earnest debate in Diet

Leading national newspaper editorial welcomes draft legislation to phase out nuclear power being proposed by Japan’s main opposition, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.  Although broadly supporting the draft legislation’s ambitions, and calling the draft bill a “direct challenge to the Abe administration”, the editorial says further policy analysis is required to explain how radioactive waste would be dealt with in future.

24 February 2018          SBS News (Australia)     

Conservatives revive nuke dump plan for SA

Revival of the plans to build a repository to support creation of a $400bn state wealth fund have become a key feature in the South Australia state election debate.  Story also covered in other Australian media, ABC News, The New Daily, 9News.  Also covered in the UK’s Guardian newspaper.

23 February 2018        Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

Officials working to fix SE NM highways as deaths continue

WIPP (Waste Isolation Pilot Plant) is appreciated locally for taking a lead in bringing organisations together to sort out the area’s road infrastructure issues.

22 February 2018        Reno News & Review (USA)

Infrastructure: Fed money comes in low

Yucca Mountain project discussed within context of President Trump’s proposed infrastructure plan and budget.  Article notes that other states keen to develop the repository in Nevada, best summarised by one quote: “Considering that more than 160 million Americans reside within 75 miles of a nuclear waste site, a repository in a remote part of Nevada is a preferable alternative.”  But points out that far from accepting that point of view, Nevada politicians have redoubled their opposition efforts.

Those efforts picked up in an article from The Nevada Independent, which reports on a planned meeting next week between President Trump and Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval.  Though the primary purpose of that meeting is to discuss gun crime in schools, in Sandoval’s role as Chair of the National Governor’s Association.

22 February 2018        Radio France International

Police remove protesters from proposed nuclear landfill site

Report on a surprise move by French police to remove protestors from the French GDF site in Bure.  Also reported by Reuters, Business Insider (UK), Gulf Times (Qatar), Xinhua (China), Daily Telegraph (UK), Daily Express (UK), The Times (UK) and Sputnik International (Russia).

22 February 2018        New Times (USA)

A pact with the devil

Opinion piece concerned that there is a lack of urgency in finding a site for the permanent disposal of radioactive waste.  The article is critical of a well-intentioned but flawed bipartisan bill passing through the US House of Representatives which would allow the creation of multiple interim surface storage facilities.  The bill is opposed by the Union of Concerned Scientists and environmentalists, who want the federal government to proceed with greater urgency in opening a deep geological repository.

21 February 2018        NHK (Japan)

Briefing sessions on nuclear waste resumed

The Japanese Nuclear Waste Management Organisation (NUMO) have resumed their public engagement workshops to inform people about the process for finding a site for a deep geological repository (aka GDF).  The process was suspended at the end of last year when it emerged that the independent facilitator appointed by NUMO had been paying students to attend.  While no impropriety was suggested, it was the potential perception of such payments that forced NUMO to suspend the workshop programme and bring their management in-house.

21 February 2018        Eyre Peninsula Tribune (Australia)

Kimba residents to be involved with nuclear economic investigation

Although the project is for a low-level waste facility (not a GDF), the issues, community concerns, and Government approach to engaging people offer an insight into how a GDF process might progress.  This latest news about the Kimba project is the invitation to local residents who’d like to become a member of an Economic Working Group that would look at how the economic benefits might be maximised.

20 February 2018       Dutch News

Costs to clean up Petten nuclear plant escalate

The Dutch Government have approved additional €117m budget to move waste from the Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands (ERN) at Petten to Holland’s central interim storage facility.  ERN currently supplies 60% of European demand for medical radio isotopes used to treat cancer and heart disease.

17 February 2018        The Herald (UK)

Harwell science campus plans to triple in size ‘in next 15 years’

RWM, the UK’s GDF delivery body, are based on the Harwell science campus.  The campus has grown as the site’s previous nuclear facilities are decommissioned and the land safely returned to public use.  The Harwell Campus Partnership are planning a major expansion to attract world-leading companies in the hi-tech manufacturing, space, healthcare and energy sectors.  Surrounded by, but not encroaching upon an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the campus is a showcase for how radioactive waste management and nuclear decommissioning activity can be a catalyst for attracting new, additional investment and jobs.

17 February 2018        Santa Fe New Mexican (USA)

WIPP could get $79M budget increase under Trump’s DOE funding proposal

More money to support the WIPP facility pending a longer-term permanent solution for finding a site for the disposal of radioactive waste.  Also reported in Carlsbad Current-Argus.

16 February 2018       Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

US Energy Secretary visits the WIPP facility and speaks to staff (see this short video), saying that their important work keeps America safe and helps drive new economic opportunities.

16 February 2018       Asahi Shimbun (Japan)

All utilities lack disposal sites for low-level waste from reactors

Fears that because local governments will not approve disposal sites even for low-level waste may mean that decommissioning plans for existing nuclear sites may be delayed.

16 February 2018       ABC News (Australia)

Locals outraged as planning for nuclear waste facility in outback SA goes ahead

Public concerns about low-level waste repository discussions in South Australia.

15 February 2018       The Columbian (Canada)

In Our View: Mixed Signals on Hanford

Concern in Canada about reduced funding for cleaning-up US’ Hanford nuclear site, but welcoming the proposal to fund Yucca Mountain repository, saying: “Numerous studies over the decades — more than $15 billion has been spent on reports and development — have indicated that Yucca Mountain will provide the safest possible storage of the nation’s radioactive waste. Considering that more than 160 million Americans reside within 75 miles of a nuclear waste site, a repository in a remote part of Nevada is a preferable alternative.”

15 February 2018       Swiss Info

Subterranean 3D model to help Swiss planning

The Swiss Federal Office of Topography has unveiled a newly-developed 3D model of the geological features of Switzerland.  Developed in collaboration with local cantons, universities, and energy advocate groups, the tool is designed to help in the exploration and exploitation of raw mineral materials, harnessing geothermal heat, as well as planning the underground disposal of radioactive waste.

15 February 2018      Bayshore Broadcasting (Canada)

Area Communities Line Up For Cheques 

A renegotiated deal will allow funding to be brought forward for communities involved in Canada’s search for a GDF site.   It means 50% of the money that has been held in trust since 2015 will now flow to Kincardine as a host community, and to four surrounding municipalities totalling about two million (canadian) dollars.

15 February 2018      Ceramic

Journal of the American Ceramic Society carries feature on solidifying (“vitrifying”) nuclear waste, and the role of ceramics in the process.

14 February 2018      Elliot Lake Today (Canada)

$600,000 contribution to fund community well-being

Local council involved in search for a GDF site, allocate money received from the National Waste Management Organisation to a fund for community wellbeing.

13 February 2018      Yucca Mountain — USA’s proposed repository

We have published an article summarising the political reaction in America to yesterday’s announcement, but you can read individual national, local and trade media reports below, and the subsequent updates to the story:

NBC News   KTVN News (CBS affiliate)    Las Vegas Review-Journal   US News

Nevada Appeal   KOLO TV (ABC affiliate)   KKOH Talk Radio  Bristol Herald Courier 

Nevada Independent    KLAS TV News    The News Tribune   Las Vegas Sun

Reno Gazette Journal     Power Magazine     World Nuclear News 

KNPR-Nevada Public Radio     US News & World Report     Fort Worth Star-Telegram   

KRNV-NBC News    The Daily Progress   Columbus Ledger-Enquirer 

St Louis Post-Despatch    Alton Daily News   Illinois News Network   Miami County Republic

12 February 2018      Independent Balkan News Agency

Croatia’s intention to build a nuclear waste landfill causes the ire of BiH

Croatia’s plan to build a GDF close to the borders with Bosnia Herzegovina and Republika Srpksa are causing concerns for their neighbours.  They claim the selected region is not geologically suitable, but Croatia claim, following geological investigation, that the area is suitable geologically.

11 February 2018      KBS Radio (Korea)

‘Pohang Quake had No Impact on Safety of Nuclear Reactors’

South Korea’s nuclear safety commission says that an earthquake that hit the southeastern city of Pohang early Sunday had no impact on the safety of the nation’s 25 nuclear power plants or its radioactive waste disposal facilities.  However, the commission announced that they will be conducting emergency safety checkups on the country’s nuclear power and radioactive waste disposal facilities.

11 February 2018      Las Vegas Sun

OPINION: Nevada has been blasted enough

Concern that President Trumps’ desire to develop new nuclear weapons will lead to Nevada being a test zone again, as well as hosting a waste repository at Yucca Mountain.

10 February 2018     Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

After crashes on U.S. 285, New Mexico residents at odds with officials over road repairs

Long, detailed analysis of the deteriorating roads around Carlsbad, caused by significant increase in heavy commercial vehicles, linked to rise in automobile accident deaths.  The Waste Isolation Pilot Project (WIPP), the US’ interim GDF, singled out for praise by unilaterally taking responsible action to alleviate the problem.

The local newspaper says WIPP drivers have driven more than 14 million miles without incident since the underground repository opened in 1999, and the US Department of Energy monitors shipments via satellite to ensure traffic laws are obeyed.  It reports that Nuclear Waste Partnership, which oversees WIPP’s daily operations, recently started its Roadway Safety Integrated Project, aimed at bringing together experts from around New Mexico to meet and discuss solutions to the danger, hosting a public meeting in January and planning another in February.  A spokesman is quoted saying:  “As part of our safety culture, we remind our employees of their responsibility to be safe drivers.”

10 February 2018     BBC (Northern Ireland)

In a weekly review of local newspapers in N Ireland, BBC News Online says that “Nuclear community fund offer is a ‘bribe'” is an unexpected headline in the Newry Democrat.  BBC reports that the story is a local councillor’s reaction to the BEIS consultations.  The BBC concludes from his comments that “it is pretty safe to say that Cllr Michael Carr will not be accepting such a facility in the Warrenpoint area.”

7 February 2018       News & Star (UK)

First batch of boxes to store nuclear waste

Local media report (with video) on newly-developed specialised ‘GDF-ready’ containers that will hold radioactive waste from Sellafield destined for geological disposal.  It is expected that 15,000 of the 1.3 ton packages will be required.  Similar story in Cumbria Crack.

7 February 2018       The Times (UK)

Apprentices will get a place at Cambridge University

Article on how Cambridge University is also now providing vocational/technical courses mentions.  Specific reference to the GDF within skills demand in the nuclear sector, particularly in radioactive waste management:   About 1,000 students will start higher and degree apprenticeship courses this September at the National College for Nuclear … one of the courses on offer at the college is a degree in decommission and waste management.

6 February 2018      Forbes Magazine

Spent Fuel Storage Still A Hot Topic In California’s Coastal Communities

Report on the furore over the need to still be holding radioactive waste in local interim surface facilities because permanent geological disposal.  Local US Congressman David Victor quoted as saying: “In my view, there is a vocal minority that seems opposed to anything, with the result that there aren’t really practical strategies they are advancing.  But the vast majority of the people are lined up around the same mission, which is safely moving the spent fuel into the storage canisters and then getting those out of here as soon as possible.”

6 February 2018      Elliot Lake Today (Canada)

NWMO report explains Elliot Lake’s removal from nuclear repository plan

Local paper report on Canada’s National Waste Management Organisation’s (NWMO) reasons for no longer involving that community in the search for a site for a GDF.  Geological complexity, difficult access because of the terrain, and “low potential to develop the breadth of community partnerships needed to implement the project” were the reasons cited.

5 February 2018      Focus Taiwan 

Taipower looking for places with granite to dispose of nuclear fuel

Report on announcement on Taiwan’s plans for geological disposal of radioactive waste.

4 February 2018      ABC Channel 8 News (USA)

Gubernatorial candidate calling for lawmakers to go against feds on Nuclear Agreement

Continued Federal Government failure to tackle interim surface waste facilities becomes an issue in Idaho Governor election.

4 February 2018      Taipei Times (Taiwan)

Nuclear fund to swell by NT$100bn

Following requests by local residents, the Taiwan’s power company, Taipower, has merged its nuclear decommissioning fund with its budget for making community payments.

2 February 2018     USA Today

Nation’s oldest nuke plant to close ahead of schedule

Report on the impact of decommissioning and closing Oyster Creek nuclear plant on the local economy.  The plant has generated annual tax income of US$13m, and estimated annual contribution of US$80m to the wider local economy.  Despite reservations of some residents, Mayor Nicholas Juliano believes continued on-site surface storage after closure will still bring income into the municipality.  Article contains a video from a public forum to discuss how community manages loss of jobs and income resulting from site closure.

1 February 2018       World Nuclear News

US commissioners call for action on used fuel

National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) claims the Federal Government’s failure to progress the Yucca Mountain project has resulted in more than $5 billion in court settlements, which could reach more than $29 billion by 2022, and cost up to $500 million annually after 2022.  They urge Congress to pass funding for next phase of technical studies.  Story also carried in Daily Energy Insider.

1 February 2018        Daily Post (Wales)

Nuclear station chiefs happy to have radioactive waste buried under their homes

Incredulous anti-nuclear campaigner can’t believe that senior nuclear managers would be happy to have waste stored beneath their homes.

31 January 2018         The Hill (USA)

A pro-science approach to Yucca Mountain appropriations

A plea for Congress to release funds to move the Yucca project forward.  The article notes that such funding wouldn’t actually commit anyone to the project, but it would allow technical assessments to be made that would help inform a scientific-based decision on whether the project was actually feasible.  The article also notes that Congress previously planned to allow citizens’ voices to be heard, and approving funding would give those opinions a formal hearing.  It quotes the Chairman of the Senate’s Appropriations: “I encourage citizens to carefully review this proposal and weigh in … to ensure that regulations like this one are based on sound science, consider economic impacts, and demonstrate common sense.”

31 January 2018        Middlesbrough Gazette (UK)

‘We will not tolerate storing nuclear waste in Billingham’s ICI mines,’ says MP

Local MP seeks reassurances that disused mine will not form part of UK Govt’s search for a GDF site.

31 January 2018        No2NuclearPower (UK)

UK Government starts its sixth search for a nuclear waste dump site in 42 years.

A comprehensive analysis of the UK Government’s announcement of public consultations, and subsequent media reports.  The article remains sceptical about the need for geological disposal, concerned that UK Government and nuclear sector have not taken note of last week’s Swedish Environmental Court ruling, and doubtful that this search for a site will be any more successful than previous attempts.

30 January 2018       Newry Times (Northern Ireland)

‘Ireland won’t be Britain’s nuclear dumping ground’

Report on Sinn Fein’s response to the UK Government’s consultations on siting a Geological Disposal Facility.

29 January 2018       Yorkshire Post (UK)

Time to engineer career changes for women

Article on need for more diversity in the engineering sector, mentioning safe disposal of radioactive waste as one of the expanding and interesting career options for young women and young people from ethnic communities.  In UK, engineering workforce is currently 94% white and 91% male!

27 January 2018        Las Vegas Sun

In D.C., Goodman highlights dangers of transporting nuclear waste

At a conference of US Mayors, Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman expressed concern about state of US transport infrastructure and risks of transporting nuclear waste from across the country for disposal at Yucca Mountain.  Her speech part of a Nevada campaign against the project.

26 January 2018        Las Vegas Review-Journal

Nevada raises new concerns about Yucca Mountain licensing plan

State submits new evidence to US House of Representatives, as local concern rises that Federal Government will force progress on Yucca Mountain geological disposal project.  Report notes that host community, Nye County, supports the project despite State-level representatives opposition.

25 January 2018        Media coverage of UK Govt GDF plans     

Given the amount of coverage, we have compiled a separate list of UK media stories covering the UK Government’s announcement of two public consultations, the next phase in the UK’s GDF programme.  The news was also reported as far afield in Australia (by Yahoo! News and by News Corp Australia) and by an international online news service Kaplan Herald.

25 January 2018        All Africa (South Africa)

Why Decommissioning South Africa’s Koeberg Nuclear Plant Won’t Be Easy

Analysis of decommissioning the site, which worries about long-term waste management and interim surface storage but fails to mention geological disposal plans.

25 January 2018        Greenwire (USA)

Yucca Mountain boosters fault ‘do-nothing’ DOE

Backers of the Yucca Mountain project reportedly losing patience with the Energy Department and raising concerns that Energy Secretary Rick Perry is already losing interest.

23 January 2018        World Nuclear News and Reuters

Conflicting views on the announcements by the Swedish Nuclear Regulator and the Land and Environment Court regarding the Swedish GDF.  WNN report approval, whereas Reuters notes ‘disagreement’ between the two regulatory authorities.  Pending more detailed statements from all the relevant players once they have digested the outputs from each Regulator, it would seem that both the Regulators were generally satisfied, but that the Court wanted more information on copper canister corrosion — see GDFWatch’s initial summary.

22 January 2018        Manila Times (Philippines)

Nuclear power: Clean and deadly

Analysis of the Philippines’ potential nuclear programme, insisting the country must have a comprehensive plan for managing radioactive waste.  Newspaper says radioactive waste can’t be thrown into the sea or dumped on a vacant lot, neither will face masks and handkerchiefs protect from contaminated air.  Asks whether “we have the resources to deal with a disaster and its aftermath?” Concludes by saying that embarking on a nuclear energy program requires detailed, comprehensive planning with a long-term perspective.

22 January 2018       International Business Times

Wanted: local community for £12bn nuclear waste dump

International media follow-up story to UK’s Guardian report (below).

21 January 2018        Handelsblatt (Germany)

E.ON helps Germany say goodbye to nuclear power

Report on the impact and costs of dismantling German reactors.  Public do not like storing waste in interim surface facilities, with E.ON setting aside €10bn for its contribution to Germany’s GDF, and another €10bn to cover costs of interim storage pending GDF opening — which will be several decades away.

21 January 2018        Seattle Times (USA)

Can nuclear energy save our environment? Authors make a case in ‘Seeing the Light’

Review of new book on broader nuclear debate, but which includes analysis of permanent nuclear waste disposal.  Backed up with scientific studies, the authors believe that “permanent disposal of nuclear waste is not a scientific-engineering problem,” but instead a political one. They claim the controversial Yucca Mountain site in Nevada was chosen over other, safer locations due to political pressure, not from reasons of public safety. They blame unsubstantiated public fear fanned by poor science for ignoring the best locations.

21 January 2018        The Guardian (UK)

Search restarts for area willing to host highly radioactive UK waste

Story trailing expected launch of two new public consultations on the UK’s GDF.  Emphasises the need to balance good geology with community consent.

20 January 2018       Brussels Times (Belgium)

“We need 20 billion euros more to be able to stop using nuclear”, says Jean-Marc Nollet

Belgian MP concerned about potential costs of disposing of country’s nuclear waste and that there has been lack of progress in Belgium’s programme.

19 January 2018        Nevada Independent (USA)

Can Heller, as Reid did, stop Yucca?

Report on whether local US Senator can hold Congress back from pursuing Yucca Mountain project.  The newspaper notes that a bill in the House of Representatives that would jumpstart the stalled plan to build a nuclear waste storage facility at Yucca Mountain was overwhelmingly approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee in June and is expected to be approved by the full House this year.  There is also an appetite for a Yucca solution in the Senate. South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has said he’s impressed by the bipartisan vote in the House committee and suggested there could be “broad appeal” for the bill in the Senate.

19 January 2018        Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

Heinrich questions DOE nominee on WIPP, Los Alamos

Local newspaper report on Congressional questioning of a nominee for a senior Department of Energy post, on her views on the US’ WIPP facility in which nuclear waste is geologically disposed.

18 January 2018        Thunder Bay News (Canada)

First nuclear waste test hole drilled near Ignace

Initial 1km deep borehole completed.  But the long timescales of project underlined by fact that these first geological samples will take most of this year to analyse before additional boreholes are drilled.

17 January 2018        Carlsbad Current-Argus (USA)

WIPP: Mining starts on final underground panel

Local media coverage of mining operations recommencing at United States’ only operational deep geological disposal facility.

17 January 2018       Orange County Register (USA)

San Clemente will seek audience with senator over burial of radioactive waste

Concerned residents have invited local US Senator Kamala Harris to meet them to discuss their opposition to interim waste storage plans.  They believe US Federal Government reneging on its commitment to permanently dispose of the waste in a geological repository.

16 January 2018       The Independent Australian

How a planned nuclear waste dump in the tiny SA town of Kimba impacts us all

Article from anti-nuclear campaigner recognises local support for a waste facility but argues that everyone in Australia should have a say regardless of local opinion.

15 January 2018       World Nuclear News

French regulator approves repository safety options

The French regulator, Autorité de Sûreté Nucléaire (ASN), has issued a positive opinion on the safety options for country’s planned deep geological repository for the disposal of high and intermediate-level radioactive waste. However, it has reservations about the storage of bituminous waste within the facility.

14 January 2018        Plymouth Herald (UK)

Old nuclear submarines have now been in Devonport for nearly 30 years

Mention of the GDF as the planned final resting place of radioactive waste materials from UK’s nuclear naval force.

13 January 2018        Swiss Broadcasting Corporation

Swiss nuclear plant plans low risk radioactive waste facility

Report on plans to store and treat waste at a closing nuclear facility includes summary of Switzerland’s consent-based approach to finding a site for their GDF, and of the recent referendum result to phase out nuclear power.

11 January 2018        The Day (USA)

Yucca is obvious answer to nuclear waste question

Editorial from Connecticut local newspaper in support of geological disposal and the Yucca Mountain proposal.

8 January 2018          The Day (USA)

Connecticut lawmakers: ‘Status quo unacceptable’ on nuclear waste policy

Bipartisan political support in Connecticut urging renewed push to find a permanent national geological disposal facility.  Mood summed up by one Democrat: “There’s got to be a safer, much more cost-effective way than having this stuff pile up and require expensive surveillance in well over 100 locations across the country.  There’s a strong feeling that the status quo is unacceptable. It’s not fair to the sites around the country to have to be a host community for the material. It’s time to get this national disposal system underway.”

6 January 2018           The Advertiser (Australia)

As choice of nuclear waste facility starts narrowing, people of Kimba are either excited or disgusted

Local Adelaide newspaper reports on local debate about hosting a nuclear repository.  Majority of residents support continued dialogue, and claim they are already seeing economic benefits, but significant opposition remains. [Note:  Kimba proposal is for a low-level waste repository, not a GDF, but process and debate reflects common community reactions to hosting a nuclear waste facility].

1 January 2018           Daily Nation (Kenya)

Kenya’s nuclear quest: A case of extreme optimism?

In a broader piece about the Kenyan Government’s nuclear programme, concerns raised that Kenya has difficulty managing ordinary waste, let alone nuclear waste:

While government officials strongly defend the nuclear project, questions abound about how a country whose major cities – Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa – have failed to handle minor fire disasters and basic household waste will effectively deal with toxic wastes, which are the by-product of nuclear power generation.  In Nairobi for instance, where every individual generates about two kilogrammes of waste every day, garbage is littered all over, with roads becoming impassable when it rains. Moreover, some hospitals and clinics carelessly dispose their medical waste in landfills ran by cartels, yet the government insists it can handle nuclear waste.

 

For articles from 2017, please click on this link to our 2017 Media Archive.

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