Kenneth Fletcher
WC Monitor
2/7/2014
A working group between the Department of Energy and the state of Nevada met a second time last week to discuss a controversial batch of uranium-233 that DOE hopes to dispose of at the Nevada National Security Site. The group was formed after objections from the state last year regarding disposal of the material, currently stored at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. “We have had very productive conversation and look forward to continuing our discussion of current issues,” Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Director Leo Drozdoff said in a statement regarding the Jan. 30 meeting. While a date for the next meeting has not been set yet, Nevada expects it to occur in May.
In question are 403 canisters of Consolidated Edison Uranium Solidification Project (CEUSP) material in DOE’s inventory of uranium-233 being stored at ORNL’s Building 3019. Disposal of that material at NNSS was opposed last year by Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval (R) and Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.), leading to the formation of the working group on the future of NNSS. After an initial working group meeting in November, the Department had hoped to resolve the issue by January, when the shipping containers were due for recertification. However, as discussions went on, the Department unloaded the shipping casks in early January to perform maintenance and recertification inspections. That move took the time pressure off the talks with DOE, opening up the possibility of a longer discussion period.
When asked about last week’s meeting with the Nevada working group, a Department spokesperson said in a written response: “The Department’s discussions with the State of Nevada and local officials are ongoing, and the working group established by Governor Sandoval and Secretary Moniz is continuing to address concerns related to the shipments and disposal. We are committed to continued engagement with Governor Sandoval, the Nevada congressional delegation, and the public because we want the State’s input and value the Department’s long relationship with the State of Nevada.”
