A Debate Has Begun On a Nuclear Waste Site in Andrews County

Opponents and supporters of high-level nuclear waste storage voice their opinions on both sides of the matter. Leaks, spills, terrorist attacks, and transportation wrecks all are concerns that opponents say could put local residents in danger of radioactive materials. 

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is holding a public hearing and opponents say they will attend. There are 50 contentions to the plan that will be read by different groups: Beyond Nuclear, Public Citizen, Sustainable Energy and Economic Development Coalition, Sierra Club, and Fasken Oil and Ranch. Interim Storage Partners, a joint venture by Waste Control Specialists and Orano, are set to take in high-level nuclear waste as early as 2022 in Andrews, Texas. 

Oil and natural gas are the Permian Basin’s largest economic industry, and storing highly radioactive materials anywhere near the area is a concern. 80,000 storage containers of nuclear waste would be eventually shipped to the Midland area if ISP’s license goes through. One leak of the containers could affect a 40 mile radius according the the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. That is a county-size area. 

Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News