This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The citizens of Utah have fended off attempts by the likes of Energy Solutions to store radioactive waste in Utah several times. Now, they want to bring 800,000 tons of depleted uranium to Utah for burial.
Our Legislature banned radioactive waste that would have posed a hazard for several hundred years. This latest material becomes deadlier each year for up to 2 million years. But a study says the waste is safe. Who paid for the study? Energy Solutions.
In a few weeks the state of Utah will announce their decision whether to allow Energy Solutions to bury this waste near the surface in our west desert, when the correct, and only safe disposal is in caves or structures deep beneath the surface. Scientists have stated repeatedly that the area where this material would be buried has flooded historically, and will do so again, repeatedly, guaranteeing that this dangerous waste will ultimately enter our environment.
It was only the outcry of Utah citizens that compelled Gov. Gary Herbert to refuse radioactive waste in the past. It is time for us to speak up again. Call your state representatives and Gov. Herbert. To see what else you can do, go to: http://www.healutah.org/StopDu
Bill Forbes
Bountiful