Please note: shut down reactor sites are not shown; also, truck shipments would require a license amendment to be approved by NRC, as WCS's current application is for rail (and related barge) shipments[Take part in the Feb. 23 NRC meeting if you still can. But even if you can't, you can still submit written comments until March 13. See below about that.]
Waste Control Specialists (WCS) in West Texas has applied to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a license to construct and operate a "centralized interim storage facility" for 40,000 metric tons of commercial irradiated nuclear fuel, more than half of what exists in the U.S.
The "host" county, Andrews, has a large Latin American population, as well as many low income residents; so too does Eunice, New Mexico, just four miles from WCS across the state border.
This de facto permanent parking lot dump would launch 4,000 high-risk Mobile Chernobyl train car shipments, traveling through most states (see map, above left; click here for a larger version).
A significant number would initially travel by barge on surface waters -- Floating Fukushimas on lakes, rivers, and seacoasts -- just to reach the nearest rail head. Dirty Bomb on Wheels security risks would abound.
On Thurs., Feb. 23, from 1-4pm Eastern, NRC will hold an environmental scoping public comment opportunity, accessible by call-in teleconference and/or Webinar (in-person attendance is also an option for those near enough NRC's HQ in Rockville, MD).
NRC's Webinar link will go live in real time. The toll free call-in/teleconference number is (800) 619-9084; Passcode 3009542.
Beyond Nuclear has assembled sample comments you can use to prepare your own, for oral submission at next week's meeting, whether in-person or via Webcast/call-in, and/or for written submission by the March 13th deadline, via email, online Web form, or snail mail. Please take part, make comments, and spread the word! More