Nuclear Waste / Public News Service

On Oct. 5, 1966, Fermi 1 suffered a partial fuel meltdown. Two of the 92 fuel assemblies were partially damaged. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, no abnormal radioactivity was released into the environment. (spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

Climate change reignites concerns over nuclear storage on MI shores

Summer temperatures are one more reason for concern by environmental groups about the nuclear waste stored along the Great Lakes. There are three …

Individuals present during atmospheric nuclear weapons testing could qualify for a single, substantial financial payment as compensation. (Hamara/AdobeStock)

RECA expansion bill impacts Tennessee, awaits House approval

A Knoxville-based environmental group is advocating for the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act expansion, currently awaiting House approval…

Some in Michigan's Native American community say they can relate to the struggles of Palestinians in Gaza. Artist Christina Damianos depicts the idea in her

MI Indigenous group uses art to show solidarity with Palestinians

Some Indigenous groups in Michigan want to draw parallels to their own historic struggles and those of Palestinians in Gaza and they are doing it thro…

The Fermi II nuclear plant suddenly shut down over the weekend as workers prepared for refueling. Advocates argue that EGLE hasn't adequately engaged with the public before issuing permits for the facility about its release of wastewater. (Adobe Stock)

MI groups demand more public input in EGLE decisions

Michigan U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib - D-Dearborn - is among the advocates urging Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to more …

Data show Oak Ridge residents pay $2.67 million in taxes toward nuclear weapons programs. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Alliance: 'Skyrocketing' Y-12 facility costs affect TN taxpayers

A Knoxville-based environmental group is voicing concerns over what it sees as an increasing financial strain imposed on taxpayers by nuclear weapons …

The U.S. military opens the Trinity bomb site, 210 miles south of Los Alamos, New Mexico, to the public twice a year. (Nina/Adobe Stock)

NM activist seeking atomic bomb reparations invited to State of the Union

A New Mexico resident will attend President Joe Biden's State of the Union address tonight as legislation is pending to expand the Radiation Exposure …

Y12 annually hosts female high school students as part of a program called

Lawsuit probes EPA decision in allowing Oak Ridge landfill

Environmental groups in Tennessee will soon learn more about the approval process behind a radioactive waste landfill which has been processing and st…

A mural at the Patagonia store in Belltown, Washington, reminds residents they all live downriver from the Hanford nuclear site. (Hanford Challenge)

WA communities unite to keep Hanford nuclear site cleanup on track

"We all live downriver from Hanford," is the message painted on the windows of the Patagonia store in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood. It is a …

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, the Y12 complex has about 4,500 employees and another 2,000 contractors. (Enzo/Adobe Stock)

Alliance sounds alarm on contamination in Oak Ridge

A Knoxville-based environmental group is voicing health and safety concerns about the development of a landfill for radioactive waste from the Y12 Ura…

Climate change board games emphasize teamwork and group success. Either all players win together, or no one survives. (pathdoc/Adobe Stock)

Climate change: Better understood through board games?

By Debra J. Rosenthal for The Conversation.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Michigan News Connection for the Public News Service-Conversation …

DTE Energy has a permit to discharge waste water from its Fermi 2 Power Plant. The permit will expire at midnight on Oct. 1, 2028. (Weerayuth/Adobe Stock)

Public comments sought on waste water permit for Fermi 2 nuclear plant

A draft permit for waste water from DTE Energy's Fermi 2 Power Plant is open for public comment until October 21. Michigan environmental groups are …

Fermi 2 is a 1,198 MWe General Electric boiling water reactor that began operations in 1985.(spiritofamerica/Adobe Stock)

DTE Energy Nuclear Plant Closed for Almost 3 Weeks

The Fermi 2 Nuclear Plant has been closed for repairs for almost three weeks. Local residents and advocacy groups in Monroe County are voicing …

The U.S. Department of Energy wants to develop nuclear waste interim storage facilities. (Satakorn/Adobe Stock)

Fed Board Meets in ID to Discuss Nuclear Waste Storage

Federal officials are in Idaho to discuss where to store nuclear waste. The U.S. Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board, an independent federal agency…

Atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, three days apart at the end of World War II. (George Caron, Charles Levy/Wikimedia Commons)

Oppenheimer, Japan Bombings Put Nuclear Energy in Harsh Light

The power and destructiveness of nuclear energy has been in the spotlight since the film "Oppenheimer" was released in July. It is in focus again …

In New Mexico, 'Oppenheimer' Film Revives Painful Memories

This summer's "Oppenheimer" movie will shine a light on development of the first nuclear weapons, but for many in southern New Mexico it is another …

Harmful algal blooms typically occur in Michigan during the summer months and can last well into the fall. (sunday_morning/Adobe Stock)

Watch for Harmful Algal Blooms in MI Recreational Waters

Michigan residents are being warned to be prepared for another season of harmful algal blooms in the Great Lakes. The Michigan Department of …

Nuclear energy is one part of Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin's

Experts Concerned about SW Virginia Nuclear Plant Placement

Environmentalists and Southwest Virginia residents are concerned about proposed sites for small modular nuclear reactors. The LENOWISCO Planning …

Radioactive waste is typically stored at the site where it's generated. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Nuclear Waste Transportation Draws Opposition in West

Concerns are growing in the west about nuclear waste transportation. On Tuesday, the Snake River Alliance is holding a webinar on these concerns…

A six month experiment will take place at the Idaho National Laboratory to test a new type of nuclear reactor. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

ID Experiment Prompts Concerns of Nuclear Weapons Proliferation

An experimental nuclear technology project slated for testing in Idaho is raising concerns about the potential for nuclear weapons proliferation…

The Idaho National Laboratory is located near Idaho Falls. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Comment Period Open for Experimental Nuclear Tech in Eastern ID

The U.S. Department of Energy has opened a short public-comment window on an experimental nuclear technology in Idaho. The agency has released a …

New Mexico has followed Texas' lead by passing preemptive legislation to ban the storage of high-level radioactive waste in the state. (Tiero/AdobeStock)

Spent Nuclear-Fuel Storage Facility Nixed by NM Legislature

Like Nevada, New Mexico has rejected a proposed interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel. Responding to the Federal Nuclear Regulatory …

The Trojan Nuclear Plant in Oregon was connected to the grid in 1975 and shut down in 1992. (David Falconer/Wikimedia Commons)

'Atomic Bamboozle' Documents 'False Promises' of New Nuclear Tech

A film premiering this week tackles the potential harms of the nuclear industry. Portland State University professor emeritus Jan Haaken directed …

It is estimated the U.S. has more than 80,000 metric tons of highly radioactive spent fuel currently sitting in storage at 72 commercial nuclear plants across the country. (Destina/Adobe Stock)

Opponents of Proposed NM Nuclear Waste Project Await Legislative Vote

A bill to block a nuclear waste storage facility in southeast New Mexico is being watched closely by opponents of the project. Don Hancock, director …

1st Lieutenant Joe Mondello, U.S. Army (Retired), at Fort Sill Artillery and Guided Missile Center in Oklahoma, 1956. President Joe Biden declared July 16 as National Atomic Veterans Day to remember the service and sacrifices of America's atomic veterans. (Photo courtesy Joe Mondello)

Atomic Veterans in Massachusetts Seek Greater Recognition

The majority of atomic veterans who participated in America's nuclear bomb testing program between 1945 and 1962 are now gone, but one from …

The Hanford Nuclear Site was home to the world's first plutonium production reactor. (U.S. Department of Energy)

Interactive Hanford Story Teaches about Nuclear Site's Threat to Columbia River

The Hanford Nuclear Site on the Columbia River in central Washington has left a complex legacy for the region. An interactive story map imagines …

The Idaho National Laboratory treats nuclear waste at its facility near Idaho Falls. (MichaelVi/Adobe Stock)

Critics: Climate Bill's Nuclear Funding Undermines Clean-Energy Claims

The Inflation Reduction Act aims to revolutionize the clean-energy sector in the United States. But in Idaho, critics think its investment in nuclear …

The federal government has issued a license to Holtec International to store 8,680 metric tons of highly radioactive uranium from some 80 nuclear reactor sites around the country in southeastern New Mexico. (portside.org/AliyaMood)

Governor: NM Won't Be a 'Dumping Ground" for Nuclear Waste

After being rejected by Texas and Utah, the federal government has now picked New Mexico to house the nation's spent nuclear fuel, but the governor …

If passed by Congress, legislation to recognize

NM "Downwinders" Continue Fight for Radiation Exposure Relief

A New Mexico group seeking financial compensation for those suffering negative health effects from the 1945 Trinity atomic bomb tests has two more yea…

NuScale Power plans to build six reactor modules west of Idaho Falls to generate 462 megawatts of electricity. (Oregon State University/Wikimedia Commons)

Research: Radioactive Waste Issue Unresolved with New Reactor Designs

New, smaller designs for nuclear reactors have been touted as vital for the clean energy future, but new research found they could generate more …

Grand View, ID, home to a waste site that accepts hazardous material, is located about 50 miles south of Boise on the Snake River. (NASA/Wikimedia Commons)

Radioactive Soil from Australia Destined for ID Facility

Radioactive soil in Australia is being excavated and shipped to a waste disposal facility in Idaho. The soil was polluted from a carbolic acid …

At least eight cities have pulled out of an agreement to use nuclear power from a project that will be built at Idaho National Laboratory. (Sam Beebe/Flickr)

Report: Taxpayers 'Losing' on Subsidies for Nuclear Industry

To modernize the industry, nuclear power is making the transition toward smaller reactors. But a report from Taxpayers for Common Sense claims …

The United States has 93 nuclear reactors, down from 104 in 2012. (ThomasLENNE/Adobe Stock)

Hundreds of Groups Sign Letter Opposing Nuclear Subsidies

BOISE, Idaho -- Hundreds of groups have signed a letter opposing nuclear subsidies in Congress's infrastructure and budget reconciliation bills…

Researchers at the Idaho National Laboratory near Idaho Falls study nuclear energy. (Sam Beebe/Flickr)

Critics Decry $12 Billion for Nuclear in Infrastructure Bill

BOISE, Idaho -- The U.S. Senate has passed a massive infrastructure bill, and buried within the package is $12 billion for the nuclear industry…

While most electricity in Utah is generated by gas or coal-powered plants, one regional utility is considering the nuclear option. (brianguest/Adobe Stock)

Utah Watchdogs Voice Concerns Over 'High-Tech' Nukes

SALT LAKE CITY -- In the push toward carbon-free energy production, some cities in Utah and nearby states are considering a new type of nuclear …

Reprocessing spent nuclear fuel was studied at the Argonne National Laboratory-West site in Idaho. (Argonne National Laboratory-West/Wikimedia Commons)

Experts: Halt Comeback of Spent Nuclear Fuel Technology

BOISE, Idaho -- As the U.S. aims to push past fossil fuel dependency, nuclear power is part of the conversation, but non-proliferation watchdogs hope …

According to the environmental group Riverkeeper, about 1,500 tons of spent nuclear fuel rods are stored at Indian Point. (Phil Cardamone/Adobe Stock)

Closure of Indian Point Hailed as Major Environmental Victory

BUCHANAN, N.Y. -- A 40-year battle to close the Indian Point Nuclear Power Plant came to an end last week, as the last of its three reactors was …

The Perry Nuclear Power Plant sits 40 miles east of Cleveland on Lake Erie. (Wainstead/CreativeCommons)

Ohio Nuclear Bailout Bill Closer to Full Repeal

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Parts of a bill embroiled in possibly the largest bribery scandal in Ohio history will soon be repealed. However, some groups say …

A plan to replace electricity generated by four lower Snake River dams includes $10 billion for renewable sources like wind and solar. (Oleg Kovtun/Adobe Stock)

Critics: Nuclear Not Needed in Snake River Replacement Plan

BOISE, Idaho -- Nuclear energy could be part of the mix to replace power from four lower Snake River dams if they're removed. Rep. Mike Simpson…

Experimental Nuclear Reactor Design Could Come to ID

BOISE, Idaho -- The public can weigh in this week on an experimental nuclear reactor which could be coming to the Idaho National Laboratory. The U.S…

The Idaho National Laboratory will be home to NuScale's small, modular reactor project. (Sam Beebe/Flickr)

Questions Remain About ID Nuclear Reactor Project

BOISE, Idaho - Questions are being raised about the future of NuScale Power's Idaho project to bring nuclear energy to cities in the Mountain West…

The White Mesa Uranium Mill is situated near the Ute Mountain Ute tribal reservation and Bears Ears National Monument. (Grand Canyon Trust)

Utes Fear Uranium Mill is Becoming Radioactive Waste Dump

WHITE MESA, Utah -- Native tribes and environmental groups alike are worried that a Utah uranium-processing mill is becoming a dumping ground for …

Fallout from nuclear tests in Nevada in the 1950s and '60s affected the health of many southern Idahoans. (National Nuclear Security Administration/Flickr)

Potential for New Nuclear Testing Brings Up Old Harms to Idahoans

BOISE, Idaho -- Restarting discussion about nuclear-weapons testing is on the table in Washington, D.C., even as Idaho still is waiting for …

The only waste disposal site permitted for radioactive material in Montana is in the eastern part of the state, near Glendive. (Northern Plains Resource Council)

MT Lawmakers Pause Radioactive Waste Limits, Draw Public Ire

HELENA, Mont. - Lawmakers could sideline Montana's radioactive waste disposal rules from oil and gas industries next week, despite public opposition…

A federal rule change could allow waste disposal at locations other than radioactive-storage facilities. (Scanrail/Adobe Stock)

NRC Proposes Allowing Nuclear Waste at Dumps, Recycling Sites

BOISE, Idaho -- The Nuclear Regulatory Commission may change its rules to allow the nuclear industry to dump some of its waste in landfills. …

Nuclear waste from the Three Mile Island meltdown in 1979 made its way to Idaho for storage. (Nuclear Regulatory Commission/Flickr)

On Three Mile Island Meltdown Anniversary, ID Considers Nuclear Future

BOISE, Idaho - Saturday is the 41st anniversary of the partial meltdown at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant. Experts say there are lessons …

Built during World War II, the B Reactor at the Hanford Site was the first large-scale nuclear reactor ever built. (Energy.gov/Wikimedia Commons)

Report Slams Fed Oversight of Aging WA Nuclear Site

RICHLAND, Wash. -- The federal government still has not addressed the aging facilities at one of North America's most contaminated nuclear sites…

An investigation by Rolling Stone magazine found the waste from Marcellus wells that crowds some area roads is radioactive enough to be seen as a threat to workers and the public. (Bill Hughes)

Radioactive Marcellus, Utica Well Waste Flows through 'Loophole'

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A federal loophole means millions of tons and billions of gallons of radioactive natural gas waste are being disposed of as if they …

An investigation by Rolling Stone magazine found the waste brine from Marcellus wells is radioactive enough to be seen as a threat to workers and the public. (Vivian Stockman/Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition)

Investigation: Marcellus Waste 'Too Hot' for Release by Nuke Plant

CHARLESTON, W. Va. -- A federal loophole means millions of tons and billions of gallons of radioactive natural gas waste are being disposed of as if …

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