This issue has been successfully resolved (see link
above for detailed information from the BLM).
Background
Private Fuel
Storage L.L.C. (PFS) plans to build and operate a for profit, centralized,
away-from-reactor, high level nuclear waste facility for up to 40 years on the
Skull Valley Band of the Goshute Indian Reservation. This site is less than 50
miles from downtown Salt Lake City. In February, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory
Commission issued PFS a license to construct and operate the facility. Because
of the Cedar Mountains Wilderness legislation, there is only one remaining means
of intrastate transport authorized under the PFS license – heavy truck
transport utilizing an intermodal facility just north of I-80 and travel along
State Road 196.The Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) is now accepting public comment on PFS’s application for an
intermodal facility on BLM land for the transfer of 44,000 tons of spent nuclear
fuel rods from rail to heavy truck.
Business Community Response
The Salt Lake Chamber, Utah’s largest and longest-serving business association and representing one in every three jobs in the state, opposes the storage of high-level nuclear waste in Utah because it is bad for Utah’s economy.
Real and perceived risks of spent nuclear fuel will damage Utah’s economy and business climate. For example,
Threats to military training readiness may negatively impact Hill Air Force Base that contributes $2 billion annually to Utah’s economy.
Skull Valley is only seven miles away from Dugway Proving Grounds and 19 miles away from the Utah Test and Training Range.
Above ground, spent nuclear fuel rods and F-16 fighters do not mix.
Business relocation and headquarters decisions will be impacted by even just the prospects of a terrorist or accidental incident. In the highly competitive world of business recruitment and economic development, we do not want to be viewed as America’s dumping ground.
A survey has shown that people believe that property values would decrease if the PFS facility is built.
The BLM must deny PFS’ application for a right-of-way permit on public land because of its policy of prohibiting the storage of hazardous materials on public lands. We view Utah’s public lands as America’s playground, not its dumping ground.
We don’t produce this waste, we don’t benefit from it. If it’s so safe, leave it where it is.
The
Chamber encourages businesses and citizens to send your comments opposing the
intrastate transport of this waste across public lands. Please email comments to
pam_schullerXblm.gov by May
8, 2006 or you may fax your letter to (801) 977-4397.
Letters should be received by May 8, 2006 at this address:
Pam Schuller U.S.
Bureau of Land Management Salt
Lake Field Office 2370
South 2300 West Salt
Lake City, Utah84119
