DOE seeking public input on nuclear waste

Apr 19 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Anna Dolianitis Aiken Standard, S.C.

The Department of Energy will hold a public meeting in North Augusta tonight to elicit feedback from the community on potential options for the disposal of Greater-than-Class C Low-Level Radioactive Waste.

The meeting, which will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the North Augusta Community Center, will allow for comments on DOE's Environmental Impact Statement for the disposal of GTCC and GTCC-like waste, issued in February.

GTCC low-level radioactive waste is a small volume of low-level waste generated nationwide as a result of the production of electricity from nuclear power plants, the production and use of radioisotopes for the diagnostics and treatment of cancer and other illnesses, oil and gas exploration and various other industrial uses.

GTCC-like waste includes DOE owned or generated low-level waste and potential nondefense transuranic waste.

The report considers potential environmental impacts from constructing and operating a new facility or facilities for disposal or using an existing location. Potential disposal locations considered includes the Savannah River Site, but a preferred alternative will not be identified until the final report.

The North Augusta Community Center is located at 495 Brookside Ave.

Contact Anna Dolianitis at adolianitis@aikenstandard.com.