Nuclear Dumping Disputed
May 07 - Augusta Chronicle, The
The state-run, low-level radioactive waste dump in Barnwell County isn't properly storing contaminated debris, and waterways are becoming polluted, environmental groups contend.
A judge in Columbia began hearing testimony Wednesday from the
environmentalists and Chem-Nuclear, which was named as a defendant along with
the state Department of Health and Environmental Control, which regulates the
waste site.
The burial ground was opened by state government in 1969 and is used to bury
several forms of low-level waste, including nuclear- reactor vessels formerly
used to help generate energy.
Members of the Sierra Club and Environmentalists Inc. contend that water is
seeping into the shallow burial grounds and carrying radioactive waste into
nearby Mary's Branch Creek, which flows into the Savannah River.
"Far more protective management practices are readily available but are
not required by this proposed license," the groups stated in court papers.
DHEC reinspected the Chem-Nuclear facility, which is located just outside of
the Savannah River Site near the town of Snelling, late last year. It approved
the site's license, which is valid for five years, records show.
In pre-filed testimony, an expert for the environmentalists states that
Chem-Nuclear's own records show that radioactive tritium has been released into
the Mary's Branch Creek in recent years.
Duncan Howe, a research professor at the University of South Carolina Medical
School who once worked at a U.S. Department of Energy site, said in court
documents that above-ground storage was more secure than below-ground.
"Regardless of how much enhanced capping you do, that environment is
still going to become moist at times," he said. "So the above- ground
storage protects your material from rainwater or water, which is the main
element that's causing deterioration of this containment."
In an interview before Wednesday's hearing, a spokeswoman for Chem-Nuclear
noted that the site had never been cited for environmental infractions.
"Anybody can say anything," spokeswoman Deborah Ogilve said.
"Backing it up with proof is another issue."
An independent group of scientists hired by the state in 2001 also said the
site was well protected.
Reach Josh Gelinas at (803) 648-1395, ext. 113,or josh.gelinas@augustachronicle.com
.